About R359 (Sangoku)
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Muscat Bailey A
- Price Range
- ¥2,700-3,200
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
R359 (nicknamed "Sangoku," the local name for National Route 359 that runs past the vineyard) is Horaisan Winery's most beloved local red, made from 100% estate-grown Muscat Bailey A blending fruit from vines over 40 years old with younger plantings around 15 years old. It is not released every year — the 2023 vintage returned after a three-year gap, drawn from what the winery called its best harvest in 29 years — and it has built a loyal following among Toyama locals for its balanced, neither-too-heavy-nor-too-light profile that also works well served slightly chilled through Toyama's hot summers.
Horaisan Winery's most beloved local red — an honest, unpretentious showcase of what old-vine Muscat Bailey A can do when it isn't trying too hard.
New to wine?
A fruity, approachable red that's delicious served slightly chilled — a friendly entry point into Japanese Muscat Bailey A wines.
Food Pairings
Its light-to-medium body and bright Muscat Bailey A fruit make it an easy match for everyday Toyama cooking — simmered dishes, grilled skewers with a sweet-savory glaze, and fresh seasonal vegetables.
When to drink it
Casual everyday meals, summer gatherings served chilled, or as a storied souvenir from Toyama.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from 100% estate-grown Muscat Bailey A, blending grapes from vines over 40 years old with younger vines around 15 years old for added complexity. ABV 12.5%. Not an annual release — vintages appear intermittently depending on harvest quality.
About the producer
Horaisan WineryHokuriku's oldest winery, family-run since 1927富山市, 富山県 · Founded 1933Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does R359 taste like?
- A fruity, medium-bodied red with the bright red-berry character typical of Muscat Bailey A, balanced by soft tannins — neither too heavy nor too light.
- What food pairs well with R359?
- Everyday Japanese dishes like simmered fish, grilled skewers, and seasonal vegetables, thanks to its light-medium body and food-friendly acidity.
- Is R359 released every year?
- No — it's released intermittently depending on harvest quality. The 2023 vintage returned after a three-year gap, from what the winery called its best harvest in 29 years.
- What does the name R359 mean?
- It's named after National Route 359, locally nicknamed "Sangoku," which runs past the winery's vineyard in Fuchu, Toyama.
Want to know more about this wine?
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