Kokonoaru Pinot Gris

About this wine

Kokonoaru Pinot Gris is part of Coco Farm & Winery's Coco & 10R Series, crafted by winemaker Bruce Gutlove at 10R Winery in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido. Grapes are sourced from outstanding growers in Yoichi — primarily Nakagawa Farm and Kimura Farm. Whole-bunch pressed, wild-yeast fermented in stainless steel and large French oak barrels (500L), aged 8 months on lees without fining or filtration. The wine reflects the cooler maritime climate of Yoichi with characteristic mineral tension, ripe orchard fruit, and savory umami depth — a benchmark expression of Hokkaido Pinot Gris in the natural wine idiom.

Sommelier's Note

"This is the wine that proves Yoichi Pinot Gris doesn't need to apologize to Alsace. Gutlove's 8-month sur-lie élevage and whole-bunch pressing coax out a mineral tension and umami depth that most Alsatian Pinot Gris never find. The 2019 earned CT94 — buy it on reputation alone if you must."

Food Pairings

Brilliant with the richness of Hokkaido seafood — sea urchin on rice, crab cream croquette, garlic shrimp, and lightly seasoned clam soup. The mineral tension and ripe fruit elevate konbu-cured white fish and fermented pickles alike. At slightly warmer temperatures, it opens to cream-based sauces and soft-textured desserts.

When to drink it

Hokkaido seafood dinner, intimate dinner party, thoughtful gift for a natural wine lover, Japanese kaiseki pairing

Specs

Grape Varieties

Pinot Gris

Style

White

Price Range

¥4,900–¥5,400

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Pinot Gris from Nakagawa Farm (55%) and Kimura Farm (45%), Yoichi, Hokkaido (vintage-dependent ratios). Whole-bunch low-pressure pressing, static settling 12 hours at cellar temperature (~17°C). Wild-yeast fermentation in small stainless steel tanks and 500L French oak barrels. Natural malolactic fermentation. Aged 8 months sur lie. Minimal SO₂ addition after racking. Unfined, unfiltered bottling. ABV: 13.5% (2021 vintage). Produced annually since 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kokonoaru Pinot Gris taste like?

Expect aromas of quince, pear, and stone fruit with hints of honey, thyme, and lavender. On the palate: transparent acidity, ripe fruit, saline minerality, and a long savory finish. The 2021 vintage (a hot year) is particularly rich and complex.

Who makes Kokonoaru Pinot Gris?

It is made by Bruce Gutlove at 10R Winery in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, using grapes from Nakagawa Farm and Kimura Farm in Yoichi. The wine is released under the Coco Farm & Winery label as part of the Coco & 10R collaboration series.

Is it a natural wine?

Yes. Whole-bunch pressed, wild-yeast fermented, aged sur lie with no fining or filtration. Minimal SO₂ is added only after racking. A classic low-intervention Hokkaido white.

What food pairs best with Kokonoaru Pinot Gris?

Hokkaido seafood is the ideal match — sea urchin, crab, konbu-cured white fish. It also works beautifully with cream-based sauces, garlic shrimp, and fermented Japanese dishes. The umami depth makes it unusually versatile.

How does it compare to Kamihoro Wine Mori (the 10R estate white)?

Both are benchmark Hokkaido whites from Bruce Gutlove. Mori is a 7-variety field blend with more structural complexity and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc character. Kokonoaru Pinot Gris is 100% Pinot Gris — richer, rounder, more fruit-driven, with a longer sur-lie texture.