About der Schimmer
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
- Price Range
- ¥5,000-5,500
- Alcohol
- 12%
der Schimmer (German for 'shimmer' or 'glimmer'; labeled in Japanese as 'Honoka') is a co-fermented white blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir from Ebeotsu Wein's vineyard in the Ebeotsu district of Takikawa City, Hokkaido (Sorachi region). The must is fermented with wild yeast, then the wine is aged for nearly a year in new oak barrels — unusual for a small-production Japanese white — which gives it a rich aroma shaped by the character of new oak alongside a deep yet smooth palate. The 2023 vintage is a dry, medium-bodied white. Winemaking is carried out on a custom-crush basis at 10R Winery in nearby Iwamizawa, in keeping with the producer's minimal-intervention house style.
New-oak aging is uncommon among Hokkaido's small natural-leaning producers, and der Schimmer shows what it can add to a cool-climate Pinot blend: the oak lends structure and aromatic richness without masking the wild-yeast fermentation's character, making this one of Ebeotsu Wein's more ambitious bottlings.
New to wine?
A good next step for those curious about oak-aged Japanese whites — the new-oak character is present but balanced by a smooth, approachable palate from the three-variety Pinot blend.
Food Pairings
The new-oak richness and smooth depth pair well with dishes that can stand up to it — grilled or roasted white-fleshed fish, cream-based dishes, mushroom-forward preparations, and mild semi-hard cheeses.
When to drink it
Suited to a slightly more formal dinner, pairing with richer dishes, or as a gift for someone exploring oak-aged Hokkaido whites beyond the region's usual crisp, unoaked style.
Terroir & Winemaking
2023 vintage. Co-fermented blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Wild-yeast fermentation, aged for nearly one year in new oak barrels. Dry, medium body. Custom-crush production at 10R Winery, Iwamizawa. ABV 12%. Product code NW216W23002A2.
About the producer
Ebeotsu WeinChuo-Sorachi's pioneer family winery, crafting wild-yeast wines from Hokkaido's cool north.滝川市, 北海道 · Founded 2021Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'der Schimmer' mean, and why is it also called 'Honoka'?
- der Schimmer is German for 'shimmer' or 'glimmer.' The wine is labeled in Japanese as 'Honoka,' a Japanese word evoking a faint, gentle glow — a parallel meaning to the German name.
- What grapes are used in der Schimmer?
- It is a co-fermented white blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir grown at Ebeotsu Wein's vineyard in Takikawa City, Hokkaido.
- Is this wine oaked?
- Yes — after fermentation with wild yeast, der Schimmer is aged for nearly one year in new oak barrels, giving it a richer aroma and deeper, smoother palate than a typical unoaked Hokkaido white.
- Where is der Schimmer made?
- The grapes are grown at Ebeotsu Wein's vineyard in the Ebeotsu district of Takikawa City, Hokkaido (Sorachi region), with fermentation and aging carried out on a custom-crush basis at 10R Winery in nearby Iwamizawa.
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