What does this Koshu taste like?

It has a delicate, off-dry profile with aromas of apple, banana, and citrus, and a soft, elegant fruit character that spreads gently across the palate.

Is this wine dry or sweet?

It is an off-dry (amakuchi) style — sweeter and softer than the winery's flagship dry bottling, Katsunuma Koshu Sur Lie.

How is it different from Katsunuma Koshu Sur Lie?

Unlike the dry, lees-aged Sur Lie bottling, this wine is fermented slowly at low temperature without extended lees contact, producing a lighter, sweeter, more delicate style. They are two separate products from the same winery.

Where are the grapes grown?

The Koshu grapes are sourced from Yamanashi Prefecture, the historic birthplace of Japanese winemaking.

CuvéeKatsunumaWhite

Koshu

甲州

Chateraise Belle Foret Winery Katsunuma

About Koshu

Style: White
Grape Varieties: Koshu
Price Range: ¥1,540; tax included, 750ml, per official price list

Koshu is Japan's traditional native grape variety. This everyday bottling from Chateraise Belle Foret Winery Katsunuma is made from Yamanashi-grown Koshu, fermented slowly at low temperature to preserve delicate aromatics. The result is an off-dry (amakuchi) white with aromas of apple, banana, and citrus, and a soft, gently fruity character that spreads elegantly across the palate. It offers a lighter, sweeter counterpart to the winery's flagship dry bottling, Katsunuma Koshu Sur Lie.

Sommelier's Note

Proof that Koshu doesn't have to be bone-dry: this low-temperature-fermented, off-dry bottling shows a gentler, more approachable side of Japan's signature white grape.

New to wine?

A gentle, easy-sipping introduction to Japan's native Koshu grape — soft and lightly sweet rather than bone dry.

Food Pairings

Its gentle sweetness makes it an easy match for mildly spicy dishes, fruit-forward salads, and light desserts. Also enjoyable simply chilled as a casual aperitif.

When to drink it

Casual everyday drinking, as a light aperitif, or as a welcoming pour for guests.

Terroir & Winemaking

Made from Koshu grapes grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. Fermented slowly at low temperature (without extended lees aging) to retain delicate fruit aromatics, finished in an off-dry style. Bottled in 750ml.

About the producer

Chateraise Belle Foret Winery KatsunumaChateraise's boutique Koshu winery in Katsunuma甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 2000Visit the producer page →

More wines from Chateraise Belle Foret Winery Katsunuma

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this Koshu taste like?: It has a delicate, off-dry profile with aromas of apple, banana, and citrus, and a soft, elegant fruit character that spreads gently across the palate.
Is this wine dry or sweet?: It is an off-dry (amakuchi) style — sweeter and softer than the winery's flagship dry bottling, Katsunuma Koshu Sur Lie.
How is it different from Katsunuma Koshu Sur Lie?: Unlike the dry, lees-aged Sur Lie bottling, this wine is fermented slowly at low temperature without extended lees contact, producing a lighter, sweeter, more delicate style. They are two separate products from the same winery.
Where are the grapes grown?: The Koshu grapes are sourced from Yamanashi Prefecture, the historic birthplace of Japanese winemaking.

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