What does NOVICE Sur Lie taste like?

It is a dry white with Koshu's delicate fruit character, crisp acidity, and a savory, deeper richness that comes from extended lees contact.

What food pairs well with it?

It pairs especially well with delicate Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and salt-grilled fish, as well as light vegetable tempura.

What is the sur lie method used in this wine?

Sur lie means the wine is left in contact with its lees (spent yeast) after fermentation without racking, right up until bottling. This traditional method adds body and a subtle savory depth to the wine.

What grape is NOVICE Sur Lie made from?

It is made entirely from Koshu, Japan's signature white grape, grown on the winery's own vineyards in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi.

CuvéeYamanashiWhite

NOVICE Sur Lie

NOVICE シュール・リー

Hikawa Chuo Winery

About NOVICE Sur Lie

Style: White
Grape Varieties: Koshu
Price Range: ¥1,800; 720ml, tax included

NOVICE Sur Lie is an entry-level white wine from Hikawa Chuo Winery (Liaison Wine) in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi. Made entirely from estate-grown Koshu grapes, it is produced using the traditional sur lie method: after fermentation the wine is left in extended contact with its lees without racking, adding depth and body. The result is a dry white with Koshu's characteristic delicate fruit and a deeper, savory richness from the lees aging.

Sommelier's Note

A textbook example of sur lie Koshu at an entry-level price — the lees aging gives it a savory depth that punches well above its everyday price point.

New to wine?

An approachable, food-friendly introduction to Koshu — dry and crisp, with just enough richness from the lees aging to feel substantial without being heavy.

Food Pairings

Its crisp acidity and lees-derived umami make it a natural match for delicate seafood, sushi, sashimi, and salt-grilled fish. Also pairs well with light vegetable tempura and tofu dishes.

When to drink it

Everyday dinners, sushi nights, and casual gatherings where a versatile, food-friendly white is needed.

Terroir & Winemaking

Made from 100% estate-grown Koshu grapes. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is aged on its fine lees without racking (sur lie), a traditional method that adds body and depth to the finished wine. Bottled at 720ml.

About the producer

Hikawa Chuo WineryFamily-run since 1973, crafting food-friendly Koshu wines.笛吹市, 山梨県 · Founded 1973Visit the producer page →

More wines from Hikawa Chuo Winery

See all wines from this producer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NOVICE Sur Lie taste like?: It is a dry white with Koshu's delicate fruit character, crisp acidity, and a savory, deeper richness that comes from extended lees contact.
What food pairs well with it?: It pairs especially well with delicate Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and salt-grilled fish, as well as light vegetable tempura.
What is the sur lie method used in this wine?: Sur lie means the wine is left in contact with its lees (spent yeast) after fermentation without racking, right up until bottling. This traditional method adds body and a subtle savory depth to the wine.
What grape is NOVICE Sur Lie made from?: It is made entirely from Koshu, Japan's signature white grape, grown on the winery's own vineyards in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi.

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