Tsugane Le Bois Trance

About this wine

Tsugane Le Bois Trance is a lighter, more approachable variation of Beau Paysage's flagship 'Le Bois' Cabernet Franc. Produced by Eishi Okamoto in the Tsugane area of Hokuto City, Yamanashi at around 800m elevation, the 'Trance' bottling is crafted from grapes selected from specific sub-plots of the Tsugane vineyard in years when the fruit shows a particularly fresh and vibrant character. It shares the same minimal-intervention philosophy—hand-harvesting, indigenous yeast fermentation, no fining, no filtration—while expressing a lighter, more immediately joyful side of the terroir. Pale ruby in color, it delivers crisp red fruit, fresh herbs, and a lively acidity that makes it one of the most accessible wines in the Beau Paysage range.

Sommelier's Note

"If Le Bois is Beau Paysage's meditative masterpiece, Le Bois Trance is its joyful soul—lighter, more vibrant, yet unmistakably from the same extraordinary terroir. An essential bottle for anyone beginning their journey with Japanese natural wine."

Food Pairings

Excellent with roasted duck, grilled chicken, wild mushroom risotto, and charcuterie. Its lighter structure and vibrant acidity also complement Japanese dishes: salt-seasoned yakitori, soy-glazed duck, mushroom takikomi gohan (rice), and simmered chicken with vegetables.

When to drink it

Perfect for casual yet special evenings, wine-and-food pairing dinners with Japanese cuisine, or as a crowd-pleasing bottle at a natural wine gathering. Best enjoyed young, within 3–5 years of vintage.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Franc

Style

Red, natural

Alcohol

11

Price Range

¥15,000-30,000

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Cabernet Franc from selected sub-plots of the Tsugane vineyard, Hokuto City, Yamanashi, at approximately 800m elevation. Farmed without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Hand-harvested. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. No temperature control, no fining, no filtration, no or minimal SO2. Bottled by gravity. Part of Beau Paysage's total annual production of under 10,000 bottles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Tsugane Le Bois and Le Bois Trance?

Le Bois Trance is a lighter, more immediately approachable variation of Le Bois. While both are 100% Cabernet Franc from the same Tsugane terroir, Trance comes from sub-plots that show a fresher, more vibrant character in that vintage, resulting in a wine that is livelier and easier to enjoy young.

What does Tsugane Le Bois Trance taste like?

It shows a pale ruby color with crisp aromas of fresh red berries, herbs, and a light earthy touch. On the palate, it is light-bodied with lively acidity, fine tannins, and a clean, refreshing finish—making it one of the most approachable wines in the Beau Paysage range.

What food does Tsugane Le Bois Trance pair with?

Its lighter body and vibrant acidity make it extremely food-friendly: roasted duck, grilled chicken, mushroom dishes, and Japanese cuisine such as salt-seasoned yakitori, soy-glazed duck, and mushroom rice all pair exceptionally well.

When is the best time to drink Tsugane Le Bois Trance?

Unlike Le Bois which rewards extended cellaring, Le Bois Trance is best enjoyed within 3–5 years of the vintage to appreciate its fresh, vibrant fruit character. It does not require decanting.

Is Tsugane Le Bois Trance a natural wine?

Yes—like all Beau Paysage wines, it is made with hand-harvested grapes, indigenous yeast fermentation, no fining, no filtration, and no or minimal SO2 addition. It is a textbook example of Japanese minimal-intervention winemaking.