About Andosols Shokoshi
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Shokoshi
- Price Range
- Approx. ¥4,250
Andosols Shokoshi is Hakusan Winery's flagship red, made from 100% estate-grown Shokoshi (小公子) grapes — a Japanese hybrid mountain grape bred by Haruo Sawanobori from a lineage of Central Asian, Chinese, and Japanese wild vines. The grapes are grown at roughly 500 meters elevation on the volcanic Andosols (black andisol) soil of the Okuetsuzen region at the foot of the Hakusan range in Fukui Prefecture. The wine shows a deep purple-black color, wild, rustic aromatics, piercing acidity, and a medium body with light tannins — notes of wild berry, cherry, and green pepper are typical, with the 2017 vintage bottled at 13% ABV. It is a distinctive expression of Japan's native mountain-grape winemaking tradition.
Few wines capture the wild, untamed character of Japan's mountain grapes as vividly as this one — its piercing acidity and dark fruit make it an essential taste of Fukui's singular terroir.
New to wine?
A bold, tart introduction to Japan's own mountain-grape wine tradition — expect vivid acidity and dark berry character rather than the softness of familiar European reds.
Food Pairings
The wine's high acidity and firm tannic edge make it a natural match for game meats (venison, wild boar), grilled or simmered dishes with miso or soy-based sauces, and aged hard cheeses. It also pairs well with charcoal-grilled unagi (eel) kabayaki, where the wine's acidity cuts through the rich, sweet glaze.
When to drink it
Best suited to hearty dinners featuring game or richly seasoned dishes, and a distinctive gift for those exploring Japan's native grape varieties.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Shokoshi grapes from Hakusan Winery's own vineyard in Okuetsuzen, Fukui, at approximately 500m elevation on Andosols (volcanic andisol) soil. Fermented and aged to preserve the variety's naturally vivid acidity and deep color; the 2017 vintage was bottled at 13% ABV with a medium body and light tannin structure.
About the producer
Hakusan WineryFukui Prefecture's sole winery, crafting wines exclusively from wild yamabudou (mountain grape) and its hybrids, grown in volcanic Andosol soils at the foot of sacred Mt. Hakusan — with polyphenol levels up to nine times that of conventional grapes.大野市, 福井県 · Founded 2000Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Andosols Shokoshi taste like?
- It has a deep purple-black color with wild, rustic aromatics — wild berry, cherry, and green pepper notes — backed by piercing acidity and a medium body with light tannins.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Game meats, miso- or soy-based simmered dishes, grilled eel (unagi kabayaki), and aged hard cheeses all complement its high acidity and tannin.
- What grape is Shokoshi (小公子)?
- Shokoshi is a Japanese hybrid mountain grape bred by Haruo Sawanobori, crossing Central Asian (Himalayan), Chinese, and Japanese wild vines. It is known for small, deep-colored berries with high natural acidity.
- Where are the grapes grown?
- At Hakusan Winery's own vineyard in the Okuetsuzen area of Fukui Prefecture, at roughly 500 meters elevation on volcanic Andosols soil at the foot of the Hakusan mountain range.
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