About Taru-jikomi Blanc
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Chardonnay
- Price Range
- ¥2,860
- 720ml, tax included
- Alcohol
- 13%
Taru-jikomi Blanc ("barrel-fermented white") is Hojo Winery's oak-forward Chardonnay bottling, distinct from the winery's lighter Sakyu Blanc. Made from 100% Chardonnay grown on the Hojo Sand Dunes in Hokuei, Tottori, the wine is fermented directly in oak barrels and finished sur lie, giving it a fuller structure than the barrel-touched but stainless-fermented Sakyu Blanc. Expect a dry white with showy vanilla and toasted-oak aromatics layered over a round, gently rounded acidity.
Where Sakyu Blanc shows the Hojo Sand Dunes' fruit with only a whisper of oak, Taru-jikomi Blanc goes further — full barrel fermentation and sur lie ageing give this Chardonnay a richer, more vanilla-laced character that proves Tottori's sand-dune terroir can carry serious oak work.
New to wine?
The most oak-forward white in Hojo Winery's lineup — a good pick if you enjoy buttery, vanilla-scented Chardonnay and want to see how far Japanese sand-dune Chardonnay can go with barrel work.
Food Pairings
The winery pairs this wine with fish dishes and Japanese cuisine, and its own tasting notes call it a best match for Sea of Japan seafood. The vanilla and toasted-oak richness also suits grilled white fish with butter, seafood gratin, and creamy Japanese-style dishes such as ankake sauces.
When to drink it
A special dinner featuring Sea of Japan seafood, or for fans of oaked Chardonnay wanting a Japanese take on the style.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Chardonnay from the Hojo Sand Dunes, Hokuei, Tottori. Barrel-fermented and finished sur lie (unlike the winery's other oak-influenced Chardonnay, Sakyu Blanc, which is stainless-fermented with only a light oak touch). ABV 13%. The vintage on sale at time of research was 2019, priced at ¥2,860 (720ml, tax included).
About the producer
Hojo WinerySince 1944, expressing Tottori's rare sand-dune terroir.北栄町, 鳥取県 · Founded 1944Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Taru-jikomi Blanc made from?
- It is made from 100% Chardonnay grown on the Hojo Sand Dunes in Hokuei, Tottori, the same fruit source as Hojo Winery's other Chardonnay bottling, Sakyu Blanc.
- How is Taru-jikomi Blanc different from Sakyu Blanc?
- Both are single-vintage Chardonnays from the Hojo Sand Dunes, but Taru-jikomi Blanc is fermented directly in oak barrels and finished sur lie, giving it a fuller, more vanilla-forward character, while Sakyu Blanc is fermented in stainless steel with only a gentle oak touch.
- What is the alcohol content of Taru-jikomi Blanc?
- Taru-jikomi Blanc has an ABV of 13%, according to the winery's official product page.
- What food pairs well with Taru-jikomi Blanc?
- The winery recommends fish dishes and Japanese cuisine, singling out Sea of Japan seafood as a best match; its vanilla and toasted-oak notes also suit richer, butter- or cream-based preparations.
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