About Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu, 甲州
- Price Range
- ¥6,600
- tax included, approximate retail
- Alcohol
- 12%
Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara is Katsunuma Winery's flagship single-vineyard Koshu, often referred to as Japan's answer to a Grand Cru. Sourced exclusively from the approximately 2-hectare Isehara vineyard in Fuefuki City, the site sits on rare sandy-gravelly alluvial soils formed over millennia by the Kanegawa River. This exceptional drainage and mineral-rich substrate allows the Koshu vines to concentrate aromatic compounds far beyond what is typical for the variety. The result is an intensely aromatic, complex white with distinctive white peach and citrus character, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral finish. Aged in 95% stainless steel and 5% old oak for 10 months.
Isehara's rare gravelly soils produce Japan's most mineral, concentrated Koshu.
New to wine?
More complex than Claresa — this is Japan's single-vineyard Koshu at its finest. White peach florality makes it instantly distinctive.
Food Pairings
Isehara's mineral complexity shines with delicate dishes: flounder and sea bream sashimi, grilled white fish, premium chawanmushi, and salt-seasoned yakitori. Its vibrant acidity also complements light cream-based dishes — a versatile food wine for high-quality Japanese cuisine.
When to drink it
Special dinners, omakase sushi, kaiseki cuisine, introducing guests to Japan's finest white wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes: Koshu 100% from the Isehara single vineyard, Fuefuki City (approximately 2 hectares). Sandy-gravel alluvial soils from the Kanegawa River — rare in Japan. Sur lie method, aged 10 months in 95% stainless steel and 5% old oak. ABV approximately 12%. GI Yamanashi certified.
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 makes Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara special?
- It comes from the 2-hectare Isehara vineyard in Fuefuki City, on rare sandy-gravel alluvial soils formed by the Kanegawa River — one of very few such sites in Japan, producing Koshu of exceptional aromatic concentration.
- What does Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara taste like?
- Intensely aromatic with white peach and citrus character, vibrant acidity, and a long mineral finish — more complex and structured than Katsunuma Winery's Claresa bottling.
- How is Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara aged?
- Aged 10 months in 95% stainless steel and 5% old oak using the sur lie method, adding roundness and complexity to the aromatic Koshu character.
- What food pairs with Arugabranca Vineyard Isehara?
- Flounder and sea bream sashimi, grilled fish, high-quality chawanmushi, and simple salt-seasoned yakitori. Its mineral complexity also stands up to light cream-based dishes.
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