About HOCCA Zweigelt
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Zweigelt
- Price Range
- ¥3,850-4,950
- Alcohol
- 10%
HOCCA Zweigelt is a red wine from Hocca Winery, a boutique producer in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, run by the sake brewery Ouu Jiman. Made from 100% Zweigelt grown in Yamagata Prefecture's cool climate, it shows concentrated berry fruit character with spicy acidity and light, approachable tannins. Barrel aging (around 8 months for the 2021 vintage) adds a subtle toasted depth to the fresh berry aromas, giving the wine an elegant, food-friendly profile that reflects the sake brewery's winemaking sensibility.
Zweigelt is more associated with Hokkaido, so seeing it thrive in Yamagata's Shonai Plain is itself notable — this bottling shows the variety's juicy, spice-inflected charm with a sake-brewery restraint that keeps it light on its feet.
New to wine?
A food-friendly, medium-bodied red with light tannins — an easy entry point into Japanese-grown Zweigelt for those new to red wine.
Food Pairings
The producer recommends pairing it with tomato-based stews and meat dishes such as sirloin steak or Bolognese. Its light tannins and spicy acidity also work well with grilled chicken and Japanese dishes glazed in soy-based sauces.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners with tomato-based or meat dishes, casual gatherings with friends, and as a gift for those curious about wine from a sake brewery.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Zweigelt grown in Yamagata Prefecture. Carefully vinified and aged in oak barrels (approximately 8 months for the 2021 vintage), softening the tannins and adding toasted nuance to the concentrated berry fruit. ABV 10%, bottled at 750ml.
About the producer
Hocca WineryA sake brewery's terroir wines from Shonai, Yamagata鶴岡市, 山形県 · Founded 2021Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does HOCCA Zweigelt taste like?
- It offers concentrated berry fruit aromas with spicy acidity and light tannins; barrel-aged vintages add a subtle toasted depth to the fruit, giving an elegant, medium-bodied character.
- What food pairs best with HOCCA Zweigelt?
- The producer recommends tomato-based stews and meat dishes like sirloin steak or Bolognese. It also pairs well with soy-glazed Japanese dishes such as teriyaki chicken.
- Where are the grapes grown?
- The Zweigelt grapes are grown in Yamagata Prefecture, in the cool-climate Shonai Plain where Hocca Winery is based — a region better known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir than for this typically Hokkaido-associated variety.
- Is HOCCA Zweigelt still available?
- Past vintages (2020 and 2021) have sold out at Hocca Winery's official channels; check the winery's official store or partner retailers for current availability.
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