About TOMOE Pinot Noir Byakuya
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Pinot Noir
- Price Range
- ¥5,500-6,600
- tax included; varies by retailer and vintage
- Alcohol
- 13%
TOMOE Pinot Noir Byakuya is a rare Blanc de Noirs from Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery, made entirely from estate-grown Pinot Noir in the Miyoshi Basin — a red grape pressed and vinified as a white wine. The wine is whole-bunch pressed to keep skin contact minimal, then barrel-fermented and barrel-aged for roughly five months. The name "Byakuya" (white night, or midnight sun) evokes the natural phenomenon of a sky that never fully darkens, a metaphor for the wine's long, gently lingering finish. It shows aromas of stewed Japanese pear, baked apple and lily-like white flowers layered with a subtle caramel note carried over from the black grape skins, alongside notes of pineapple, yuzu, herbs, cheese and honey, framed by soft acidity and a citrus-tinged, faintly oaky finish. It has been recognized with medals at international competitions including Decanter World Wine Awards, IWSC and IWC.
Proof that Pinot Noir's talents extend far beyond red wine — this Blanc de Noirs channels the grape's aromatic richness into a white of real depth and finesse.
New to wine?
A delightful surprise for anyone new to Japanese wine — a red grape transformed into an elegant, easy-to-love white.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with delicate Japanese cuisine: dashi-based simmered dishes (takiawase), meunière-style white fish, sautéed foie gras, and washed-rind or semi-hard cheeses that echo the wine's own honeyed, savory notes.
When to drink it
Special-occasion dinners, celebratory toasts, or gifting to introduce someone to fine Japanese wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% estate-grown Pinot Noir from Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery's own vineyards in the Miyoshi Basin. Whole-bunch pressed as for a white wine, then barrel-fermented and aged in oak for approximately five months. Bottled at 13% ABV in 720-750ml formats.
About the producer
Hiroshima Miyoshi WineryHiroshima's pioneering winery, redefining Japanese terroir through its TOMOÉ label三次市, 広島県 · Founded 1994Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is a red wine grape like Pinot Noir used to make a white wine?
- The Pinot Noir grapes are whole-bunch pressed with minimal skin contact, just as for a traditional white wine, so almost none of the red pigment is extracted — resulting in a pale-colored 'Blanc de Noirs' that retains the grape's aromatic richness.
- What does TOMOE Pinot Noir Byakuya taste like?
- It offers aromas of stewed Japanese pear, baked apple and white lily flowers, with a caramel-like nuance from the black grape skins, plus notes of pineapple, yuzu, herbs, cheese and honey, finishing with soft acidity and a faintly oaky, citrus-tinged aftertaste.
- What does the name 'Byakuya' mean?
- Byakuya means 'white night' or 'midnight sun' — the phenomenon where the sky never fully darkens. It symbolizes the wine's long, gently lingering finish that seems to never fade.
- What food pairs best with it?
- It pairs especially well with delicate Japanese dishes such as dashi-based simmered vegetables, meunière-style white fish, and sautéed foie gras, as well as cheeses that echo its honeyed, savory character.
Want to know more about this wine?
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