About Arugabranca Claresa
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu, 甲州
- Price Range
- ¥2,200 (tax included, approximate retail) — excellent value for daily use
- Alcohol
- 10%
The flagship white wine of Katsunuma Winery, Arugabranca Claresa (meaning 'clarity' in Portuguese) is crafted from Koshu grapes sourced from over 20 different vineyards across Katsunuma. Each plot is fermented separately, then blended to achieve a consistent and expressive style year after year. Aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks for 10 months using the sur lie method, the wine gains a characteristic richness and complexity while retaining the lively acidity and subtle bitterness distinctive of Koshu. Grapefruit citrus notes, mineral freshness, and a clean finish make it an ideal partner for Japanese cuisine.
Grapefruit, mineral, sur lie freshness — the accessible face of Japanese Koshu.
New to wine?
The ideal introduction to Japanese white wine — lighter and more delicate than European whites, with a refreshing citrus character. Particularly recommended for fans of dry, mineral-style whites like Chablis.
Food Pairings
Claresa's grapefruit freshness and subtle Koshu bitterness pair brilliantly with sashimi, grilled fish, tofu dishes, tempura, and Japanese home cooking broadly. The wine's mineral acidity harmonizes with soy sauce, miso, and wasabi — making it Japan's most versatile food wine for Japanese cuisine. Also works well with light Italian starters and seafood pasta.
When to drink it
Weeknight Japanese dinners, sushi outings, lunch gatherings, and any occasion calling for a food-friendly white wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes: Koshu 100%, blended from 20+ individual vineyard plots across Katsunuma. Each plot fermented separately then blended. Sur lie method, aged 10 months in stainless steel tanks. ABV approximately 10%. GI Yamanashi, Katsunuma.
About the producer
Katsunuma WineryJapan's benchmark Koshu specialist — the winery that first brought Koshu to the global stage. Five consecutive five-star ratings at Japan Winery Awards (2019–2023). Silver medal at France's Vinalies Internationales 2003 — the first ever for a dry Koshu wine. The ARUGA Arugabranca Isehara single-vineyard wine, from rare sandy-gravel soils, is widely regarded as Japan's answer to grand cru white wine.甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1937Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Arugabranca Claresa?
- Katsunuma Winery's flagship white wine — 100% Koshu from 20+ vineyard plots across Katsunuma, blended to achieve a consistent, expressive style every vintage.
- What does Claresa mean?
- Claresa means 'clarity' in Portuguese — reflecting the wine's clean, transparent expression of Koshu's natural character.
- What does Arugabranca Claresa taste like?
- Grapefruit and citrus aromas, a characteristic subtle bitterness unique to Koshu, vibrant acidity, and a clean mineral finish, developed through 10 months of sur lie aging in stainless steel.
- What food pairs with Arugabranca Claresa?
- Sashimi, grilled fish, tofu dishes, tempura, and Japanese home cooking broadly. The grapefruit freshness and gentle bitterness complement miso, soy sauce, and wasabi perfectly.
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