About this wine
Delaware Orange is Kitani Wine's signature orange (skin-contact) wine, made from Delaware grapes grown in Habikino City, Osaka, sourced from two growers who supply the winery — Mr. Onishi and Nihonsugi Farm. Rather than macerating whole clusters, Kitani ferments the wine using the leftover skins after pressing, a distinctive 'vin de presse' style approach that extracts amber color and gentle tannin without the heavier extraction of a full skin-contact maceration. Fermentation relies solely on indigenous yeast, with no added sulfites, no chaptalization, and no filtration, in keeping with Kitani's minimal-intervention philosophy. The wine is released across multiple vintages (recent releases include 2021 and 2024), reflecting the year-to-year character of Habikino's Delaware fruit.
A gentle, food-friendly introduction to orange wine — the pressed-skin method keeps the tannin soft, so it never feels intimidating even for first-timers.
Sommelier's Note
"A quietly radical orange wine — by fermenting only the pressed skins, Kitani proves that Nara's overlooked Delaware grape can carry real textural complexity without heavy-handed extraction."
Food Pairings
Its bright acidity and gentle tannic grip make it a natural match for soy-sauce-based Japanese dishes, grilled fish, and simmered dishes (nimono). It also works well with tempura, aged cheeses, and lightly spiced Asian fare.
When to drink it
Casual dinners with Japanese food, izakaya-style gatherings, and orange-wine tastings.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Delaware
- Style
- White
- Price Range
- ¥2,300-2,750
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from Delaware grapes grown in Habikino, Osaka. Fermented using the skins remaining after pressing (rather than whole-cluster skin contact), with fermentation carried out by indigenous yeast only — no cultured yeast, no added sulfites, no chaptalization, and unfiltered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Kitani Wine Delaware Orange made from?
- It is made from 100% Delaware grapes grown in Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture, sourced from Kitani Wine's contracted growers.
- How is this orange wine made?
- Unusually, it is fermented using the skins left over after pressing the Delaware grapes, rather than macerating whole clusters — a distinctive approach that gives amber color and soft tannin without heavy extraction. Fermentation uses only indigenous yeast, with no added sulfites, chaptalization, or filtration.
- What food pairs well with Kitani Wine Delaware Orange?
- It pairs especially well with soy-sauce-based Japanese dishes, grilled fish, simmered nimono, and tempura, though its food-friendly acidity suits a wide range of cuisines.
- Is this a good wine for orange-wine beginners?
- Yes. Because it is fermented only on pressed skins rather than whole-cluster maceration, the tannin stays gentle, making it an approachable entry point into orange wine.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier