What grape is Hakkenzan's Riesling made from?

It's made from 100% estate-grown Riesling, cultivated in the winery's own vineyard at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

What does it taste like?

The winery describes it as having a firm, structured character with crisp, cutting acidity, shaped by the vineyard's gravelly soil.

What food pairs well with it?

Its bright acidity pairs naturally with seafood, sushi, and other Japanese dishes that benefit from a refreshing, acid-driven counterpoint.

Is growing Riesling unusual for a Hokkaido winery?

Yes — Hokkaido wineries typically rely on hardier hybrid and labrusca grapes for the cold climate. Hakkenzan Winery is one of the few growing Riesling, a classic European vinifera variety, on its own estate.

CuvéeHokkaidoWhite

Riesling

リースリング

Hakkenzan Winery

About Riesling

Style: White
Grape Varieties: Riesling
Price Range: ¥2,500-3,500; estimate, based on comparable Hakkenzan white wines

Hakkenzan Winery's Riesling is crafted from grapes grown 100% in the winery's own vineyard at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The vines grow in gravelly, stony soil that the winery credits for the wine's firm, structured character, balanced by the crisp, cutting acidity Riesling is known for. It's a focused expression of cool-climate Hokkaido terroir from one of the region's few wineries growing this classic vinifera variety on its own land.

Sommelier's Note

One of the few Hokkaido wineries growing Riesling on its own estate — this bottling channels the variety's structure and acid line straight from local, gravelly soil.

New to wine?

A great introduction to how Riesling's classic firm acidity translates to a Hokkaido terroir — refreshing and food-friendly without heavy sweetness.

Food Pairings

The wine's bright, cutting acidity makes it a natural match for fresh seafood, sushi, and lightly seasoned dishes; try it with grilled white fish, shellfish, or citrus-dressed salads.

When to drink it

Well suited to casual seafood dinners, sushi nights, or as a crisp aperitif.

Terroir & Winemaking

Made from 100% estate-grown Riesling planted at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The vineyard's gravelly, stony soil is credited by the winery for the wine's firm structure and crisp acidity.

About the producer

Hakkenzan WineryTerroir-driven wines at Mt. Hakkenzan's foot, Sapporo札幌市, 北海道 · Founded 2011Visit the producer page →

More wines from Hakkenzan Winery

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grape is Hakkenzan's Riesling made from?: It's made from 100% estate-grown Riesling, cultivated in the winery's own vineyard at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
What does it taste like?: The winery describes it as having a firm, structured character with crisp, cutting acidity, shaped by the vineyard's gravelly soil.
What food pairs well with it?: Its bright acidity pairs naturally with seafood, sushi, and other Japanese dishes that benefit from a refreshing, acid-driven counterpoint.
Is growing Riesling unusual for a Hokkaido winery?: Yes — Hokkaido wineries typically rely on hardier hybrid and labrusca grapes for the cold climate. Hakkenzan Winery is one of the few growing Riesling, a classic European vinifera variety, on its own estate.

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