About this wine
Produced by Eishi Okamoto at his Beau Paysage estate in Tsugane, Yamanashi, this 100% Cabernet Franc is one of Japan's most celebrated natural wines. The name 'Le Bois' (forest) is drawn from the Furinkazan ('Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain') concept of Takeda Shingen, whose legacy is rooted in Yamanashi. Grown at around 800m altitude in volcanic 'Kuroboku' soil, the wine is hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts, with zero additives and no filtration. It typically shows a pale ruby hue with aromas of fresh red berries, cedar, earth, and herbal nuances. Elegant acidity, silky tannins, and low alcohol (11–12%) give it remarkable purity and sense of place.
A rare Japanese natural red that surprises with its delicacy—light in body but deep in character. Think herbal, earthy, and refreshing rather than heavy or tannic.
Sommelier's Note
"Among the finest expressions of Cabernet Franc in Asia. Its purity, restraint, and sense of terroir rival the great natural wines of France. A bottle that demands respect and rewards patience."
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roasted venison, duck confit, grilled wild mushrooms, and herb-crusted lamb. Its savory, earthy profile also complements Japanese cuisine: soy-braised duck, grilled matsutake mushrooms, simmered burdock root, and lightly seasoned yakitori.
When to drink it
Ideal for intimate dinners where the wine's nuances can be fully appreciated, special celebrations with Japanese cuisine, or a contemplative solo evening. Open 30 minutes before serving.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Franc
- Style
- Red, natural
- Alcohol
- 11
- Price Range
- ¥20,000-40,000
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Cabernet Franc from the Tsugane vineyard in Hokuto City, Yamanashi, at approximately 800m elevation. Grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Hand-harvested. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. No temperature control, no fining, no filtration, minimal or no SO2 addition. Bottled by gravity. Annual production well under 10,000 bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Tsugane Le Bois taste like?
- It shows a pale ruby color with aromas of fresh red berries, cedar, earth, and herbs. On the palate, it is elegant, lightly structured with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral finish—closer to a refined Burgundy style than a bold red.
- What grape variety is Tsugane Le Bois made from?
- It is 100% Cabernet Franc grown in volcanic 'Kuroboku' soil at around 800m elevation in Tsugane, Yamanashi—a terroir that produces a distinctly lighter, more aromatic style than Cabernet Franc from warmer climates.
- What food does Tsugane Le Bois pair with?
- It pairs perfectly with venison, duck, wild mushrooms, and matsutake. In Japanese cuisine, soy-braised dishes, grilled yakitori with salt, and delicately seasoned fish bring out its earthy and herbal character.
- When is the best time to drink Tsugane Le Bois?
- It is approachable on release but rewards 3–7 years of cellaring, during which its minerality deepens and fruit integrates. Open the bottle 30 minutes before serving.
- Why is Tsugane Le Bois so rare and expensive?
- Beau Paysage produces fewer than 10,000 bottles per year across all labels, using entirely handcrafted, zero-intervention methods. Le Bois is sold exclusively through allocation to select establishments in Japan.
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Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
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