About Haramo Kai Blanc
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Kai Blanc
- Price Range
- ¥1,661-1,991
- 750ml, winery price
Haramo Kai Blanc is a dry white wine made from Kai Blanc, a distinct Japanese grape variety bred at the Yamanashi Prefectural Fruit Tree Experiment Station by crossing Koshu with Pinot Blanc (registered in 1992). This is a different grape from the 100% Koshu used in Haramo's other whites, including the confusingly similarly-named Haramo Blanc. Barrel aging gives the wine a golden hue and toasted, nutty depth, and Kai Blanc itself shows firmer acidity and a fuller body than straight Koshu. Haramo currently sells two vintage-dated bottlings side by side: the 2016 ('16) and the older, more developed 2012 ('12), both barrel-aged and dry in style.
Don't mistake this for another Koshu — Kai Blanc's Pinot Blanc parentage gives it a firmer, more structured backbone that barrel aging only amplifies.
New to wine?
A great next step for Koshu drinkers curious about Japan's other native white grape — fuller-bodied and more structured than Koshu, but still approachable.
Food Pairings
Its firm acidity and toasty barrel notes pair well with tempura, sushi, grilled white fish, and creamy pasta dishes; it also stands up to lightly seasoned, teriyaki-style chicken.
When to drink it
Good for a dinner exploring lesser-known Japanese grape varieties, or as a gift for wine enthusiasts who already know Koshu.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from 100% Kai Blanc grapes (a Koshu x Pinot Blanc cross bred by the Yamanashi Prefectural Fruit Tree Experiment Station, registered in 1992). Barrel-aged, resulting in a golden hue and toasted aromatics. Haramo sells two vintage-dated bottlings in parallel: 'Kai Blanc '16' (¥1,661) and the older 'Kai Blanc '12' (¥1,991), both 750ml and dry (karakuchi) in style. ABV is not disclosed on the winery's official site.
About the producer
Haramo WineA 1924 Katsunuma winery guided by the philosophy that nature makes the best grapes.甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1924Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Haramo Kai Blanc the same grape as Haramo Blanc?
- No. Despite the similar name, Haramo Blanc is made from 100% Koshu, while Haramo Kai Blanc uses Kai Blanc, a separate Japanese variety bred by crossing Koshu with Pinot Blanc.
- What does Kai Blanc taste like?
- It's a dry white with firm acidity and a fuller body than Koshu, showing toasted, nutty notes from barrel aging and a deep golden hue.
- What vintages are available?
- Haramo currently sells two vintage-dated bottlings side by side: the 2016 ('16), priced around ¥1,661, and the more developed 2012 ('12), priced around ¥1,991, both 750ml.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Its firm acidity and barrel character make it a versatile match for tempura, sushi, grilled white fish, and creamy pasta.
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