About this wine
Barrel Furano is a two-color barrel-aged series from Furano Winery, the municipal winery of Furano City in Hokkaido. The white is a blend of the hybrid grape Seibel 5279 and Kerner, while the red blends Seibel 13053 with Zweigelt; both are aged for one year in French oak barrels and bottled at 12% ABV. The white is off-dry with bright fruit aromas rounded out by elegant oak nuance, while the red is medium-bodied with soft, approachable tannins. Together they showcase how traditional barrel aging can refine cool-climate Hokkaido grapes into polished, everyday-drinking wines.
With its mellow mouthfeel and gentle oak influence, this is a great entry point for those just starting their journey into Japanese wine.
Sommelier's Note
"A clear demonstration of how cool-climate Hokkaido grapes can be elevated through patient French oak aging — the white shows elegant restraint, the red a mellow, food-friendly warmth."
Food Pairings
The white pairs beautifully with sushi (salt and lemon), tempura, gratin, and herb-roasted chicken. The red is an excellent match for soy-sauce-based dishes like oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), yellowtail teriyaki, and braised pork belly (kakuni).
When to drink it
Ideal for casual dinners at home, special celebrations with Japanese cuisine, or as a thoughtful gift representing the unique terroir of Hokkaido.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Seibel 5279, Kerner, Seibel 13053, Zweigelt
- Style
- White, Red
- Alcohol
- 12%
- Price Range
- ¥2,400-4,500
Terroir & Winemaking
Both wines are aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and bottled at 12% ABV. The white (Seibel 5279 / Kerner) is off-dry; the red (Seibel 13053 / Zweigelt) is medium-bodied with controlled tannins, both reflecting the cool-climate viticulture of the Furano basin. Sold in 720ml bottles (the red is also available in 500ml).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Barrel Furano taste like?
- The white offers refreshing fruit notes with a balanced, elegant oak finish and an off-dry profile, while the red features a mellow mouthfeel with soft, approachable tannins and medium body.
- What food should I pair it with?
- The white is best with seafood, sushi, and tempura, while the red is specifically well-suited to soy-sauce-based Japanese dishes like oyakodon and teriyaki.
- How is Barrel Furano made?
- Both the white (Seibel 5279 / Kerner) and red (Seibel 13053 / Zweigelt) are aged for about a year in French oak barrels, then bottled at 12% ABV.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
シャトーふらの
Château Furano
RedFurano No. 2 · Zweigelt · Cabernet Sauvignon · Merlot
Château Furano is the flagship red wine of Furano Winery, the municipal winery of Furano City in Hokkaido. It is a blend of the locally bred hybrid grape Furano No. 2 (a cross of Seibel 13053 and wild Yamabudo grapes, selected in 1985 for cold hardiness) with Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The wine shows a garnet color with aromas of raspberry, cherry, and shiso (Japanese perilla), leading to a medium-bodied palate with moderate tannins and balanced acidity that reflects the wide diurnal temperature swings of the Furano Basin.
富良野ワイン ケルナー
Furano Wine Kerner
WhiteKerner
Furano Wine Kerner is a signature white wine from Hokkaido's renowned Furano Winery. Crafted from the Kerner grape, which thrives in the cool, dramatic climate of the Furano region, this wine is celebrated for its aromatic profile. It typically exhibits vibrant notes of green apple, white peach, and pear, complemented by a refreshing acidity and a subtle, elegant minerality. The wine captures the essence of the northern terroir, offering a crisp, clean, and fruit-forward experience that reflects the high-quality viticulture of the region.
富良野ワイン ツヴァイゲルト
Furano Wine Zweigelt
RedZweigelt
Furano Wine Zweigelt is a flagship red wine from Furano Winery, located in the heart of Hokkaido. Cultivated in a cool climate with significant diurnal temperature variation, the Zweigelt grapes develop high sugar content and robust tannins. This wine is characterized by its deep color, rich fruit aromas of dark berries, and a distinct spicy nuance. Often aged in oak barrels, it offers a complex profile with a firm structure, balancing the natural acidity of the region with a sophisticated, full-bodied mouthfeel that reflects the unique terroir of Furano.
羆の晩酌
Higuma no Banshaku
RedFurano No. 2 · Zweigelt
Higuma no Banshaku is a distinctive dry red wine from Furano Winery in Hokkaido, made from Furano No. 2 — a proprietary cross between Seibel 13053 and wild mountain grapes (yamabudo) bred in Furano in 1985 — blended with Zweigelt. The wild-grape parentage gives the wine a bold, spicy character with pronounced acidity and firm structure, balanced by ripe fruit and gentle tannins. Its name and label, featuring a charming brown bear (higuma) illustration, evoke the rustic, untamed spirit of Hokkaido's northern terroir.