About Katsunuma Aka
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Muscat Bailey A, Black Queen
- Price Range
- ¥1,800-2,200
- 750ml, retail price
- Alcohol
- 12%
Katsunuma Aka is Chateau Katsunuma's everyday red table wine, made entirely from grapes grown across the broader Katsunuma-cho appellation in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture — a wider, town-level sourcing area rather than a single named vineyard plot such as Toriibira or Hishiyama. It is a blend of Japan's two workhorse indigenous red varieties, Muscat Bailey A and Black Queen: Muscat Bailey A contributes bright, candy-like red-fruit aroma and soft tannins, while Black Queen adds firmer acidity and structure, together making a well-balanced, food-friendly, medium-bodied red (12% ABV, 750ml). Sold by retailers under the 'Namazume' (fresh-bottled) designation, it represents the winery's accessible, non-single-vineyard red line, distinct from Chateau Katsunuma's GI Yamanashi-certified, single-plot Muscat Bailey A bottlings (e.g. 'GI Yamanashi Katsunuma Muscat Bailey A' or 'GI Yamanashi Toriibira Muscat Bailey A').
This is Chateau Katsunuma's most approachable red — the Muscat Bailey A and Black Queen blend delivers everything charming about Japanese red wine without asking anything of the drinker.
New to wine?
A friendly, easy-drinking introduction to Japan's native red grape blends — soft tannins and juicy fruit make it approachable for first-time Japanese wine drinkers.
Food Pairings
A versatile, everyday red that pairs well with grilled meats and soy-glazed dishes. Its fruit-forward profile also suits roasted chicken, pizza, or mushroom pasta.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners, everyday Japanese home cooking, or as a gentle first step before trying Chateau Katsunuma's single-vineyard Muscat Bailey A bottlings.
Terroir & Winemaking
Blend of Muscat Bailey A and Black Queen grapes grown across the Katsunuma-cho appellation, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture (no single-vineyard designation). Sold by retailers as a 'Namazume' (fresh-bottled) style. ABV 12%, 750ml. Distinct from Chateau Katsunuma's GI Yamanashi-certified single-plot Muscat Bailey A bottlings.
About the producer
Chateau KatsunumaA historic pioneer of Japanese wine with 140 years of tradition.甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1877Visit the producer page →More wines from Chateau Katsunuma
- Additive-Free Red Wine (Dry)Red · Concord
- Additive-Free Red Wine (Sweet)Red · Concord
- Additive-free White Wine (Dry)White · Muscat
- Additive-free White Wine (Sweet)White · Chenin Blanc
- Chateau Katsunuma x Nippon Yell — Nihon no Budoshu Aka (Red)Red · Muscat Bailey A · Black Queen
- Cuvee Yuka RougeRed · Black Queen · Muscat Bailey A
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes are used in Katsunuma Aka?
- It is a blend of Muscat Bailey A and Black Queen, both indigenous Japanese red grape varieties grown in the Katsunuma-cho appellation of Yamanashi Prefecture.
- How is Katsunuma Aka different from Chateau Katsunuma's Toriibira or Hishiyama Muscat Bailey A?
- Katsunuma Aka sources grapes broadly from across Katsunuma-cho rather than a single named vineyard plot, and blends Muscat Bailey A with Black Queen, whereas the Toriibira and Hishiyama bottlings are single-plot, 100% Muscat Bailey A wines certified under the GI Yamanashi designation.
- What food pairs well with Katsunuma Aka?
- Soy-glazed Japanese dishes such as yakitori and sukiyaki, as well as everyday fare like grilled chicken or pizza.
- What is the ABV of Katsunuma Aka?
- 12%.
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