About this wine
Tsugane Le Vent is a red wine by Eishi Okamoto of Beau Paysage, sourced from the Tsugane vineyard at 800m elevation in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with Merlot, named 'Le Vent' (The Wind). Against all expectations for the variety, it shows incredibly light extraction — aromatics lean toward fresh dark red fruit, subtle spice and prune rather than heavy oak or tannin, with a medium body that allows it to express the cool, windswept character of the Tsugane site. Production is limited to around 600 bottles per vintage.
Lighter than a typical Cabernet Sauvignon — the minimal-intervention approach creates transparency and freshness rarely seen with this variety. A revelatory first encounter with Japanese natural red wine.
Sommelier's Note
"This is Beau Paysage's most surprising red — Cabernet Sauvignon at its lightest and most transparent. The Tsugane terroir at 800m strips away heaviness and reveals pure fruit. Drink soon; it rewards freshness over age."
Food Pairings
Pairs well with red meat dishes: steak, lamb chops, roast duck, braised short rib. Also excellent with umami-rich Japanese dishes like sukiyaki, beef teriyaki, and braised pork belly.
When to drink it
Perfect for a dinner with red meat dishes or an evening exploring the diversity of Japanese natural wine.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Style
- Red, natural
- Price Range
- ¥8,000–10,000
Terroir & Winemaking
Grown organically at 800m elevation in the Tsugane vineyard, Hokuto City, Yamanashi. Hand-harvested, naturally fermented with indigenous yeasts, no temperature control, no fining or filtration, minimal sulfur. Gravity-bottled. Limited to approximately 600 bottles per vintage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Tsugane Le Vent taste like?
- Dark ruby in color with fresh dark red fruit, prune and subtle spice. Medium body with soft tannins and bright acidity — surprisingly light for a Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
- Why is it so light for a Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Eishi Okamoto's minimal-intervention approach results in very light extraction. The high altitude and cool climate of the Tsugane vineyard also contribute to its delicate structure.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Steak, lamb, roast duck, sukiyaki, beef teriyaki, or braised pork belly. The medium body and bright acidity make it versatile with a range of meat-based Japanese dishes.
- How does it compare to Kurahara Le Vent?
- Both are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends, but from different sites. Tsugane Le Vent expresses the high-altitude character of the main Tsugane vineyard; a side-by-side with Kurahara Le Vent is a fascinating terroir study.
- When is the best time to drink it?
- Best within 3–5 years of vintage. Its light structure is designed to be enjoyed young while the fruit is vibrant.
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Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
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