About this wine
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.
A bold, characterful introduction to Japan's native wild-grape wines — spicy and full of northern character.
Sommelier's Note
"A must-try for anyone seeking the true wild essence of Hokkaido viticulture — its spice and acidity are unmatched among Japan's native-grape reds."
Food Pairings
Excellent with rich, savory dishes: Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), okonomiyaki, grilled game meats, and soy-sauce-based simmered dishes. Also pairs well with aged cheeses.
When to drink it
A hearty home dinner, Hokkaido barbecue (Genghis Khan), or a distinctive gift for Japanese-wine enthusiasts.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Furano No. 2, Zweigelt
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 12.5
- Price Range
- ¥2,500-3,500
Terroir & Winemaking
Produced by Furano City Grape and Fruit Research Institute using Furano No. 2 (a 1985 Furano-bred cross of Seibel 13053 and wild mountain grape) blended with Zweigelt. Dry, medium-bodied, approximately 12.5% ABV, aged to soften youthful tannins. Sold in 720ml bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Higuma no Banshaku taste like?
- A bold, spicy dry red with wild-berry notes, crisp acidity from its mountain-grape heritage, and well-balanced tannins.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Rich meat dishes like Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), okonomiyaki, game meat, and soy-sauce-based simmered dishes.
- What grapes is it made from?
- Furano No. 2, a proprietary 1985 Furano cross of Seibel 13053 and wild mountain grape (yamabudo), blended with Zweigelt.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
バレルふらの
Barrel Furano
WhiteRedSeibel 5279 · Kerner · Seibel 13053 · Zweigelt
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.
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.