Lemberger (also called Blaufränkisch) is a red grape variety originally from Austria and Germany, known for dark fruit flavours, spicy notes, and good acidity. It is rarely grown in Japan, making Kondo's version a genuine rarity.

How does Hokkaido Lemberger compare to Austrian Blaufränkisch?

Kondo's cool-climate Lemberger is fresher and lighter than many Austrian examples, with brighter fruit and higher natural acidity — a distinctive expression of the Sorachi terroir.

What food does Tap-Kop Lemberger pair with?

Its fresh acidity and fine tannins make it a natural match for Hokkaido lamb Jingiskan, venison stew, and miso-marinated grilled pork, as well as savory, umami-rich Japanese dishes in general.

When is the best time to drink it?

It shows beautifully young, within a few years of release, when its violet and dark plum fruit is most vivid, though its fine-grained tannic structure also allows it to evolve gracefully over the medium term.

CuvéeSorachiReddry

Tap-Kop Lemberger

タプ・コプレンベルガー

Kondo Vineyard

About Tap-Kop Lemberger

Style: Red, dry
Grape Varieties: Lemberger
Price Range: Around ¥3,500–¥4,500; cellar-door price

Tap-Kop Lemberger is a red wine made from Lemberger (Blaufränkisch) grown at Kondo Vineyard's Tap-Kop farm in Mikasa, Hokkaido. Lemberger is a rare variety in Japan, and Kondo's cool-climate version brings out the variety's characteristic freshness, spice, and dark fruit profile. The wine exemplifies the estate's minimal-intervention philosophy.

Sommelier's Note

A rare cool-climate Lemberger from Japan — fresh violet, dark plum, and white pepper on the nose, with a finely grained tannic structure and a clean finish. Demonstrates that Sorachi can produce compelling reds beyond Pinot Noir.

New to wine?

Lemberger is similar to Shiraz or Malbec in its dark fruit character, but fresher and spicier. If you enjoy medium-bodied reds with good structure, this is an excellent introduction to Hokkaido red wine.

Food Pairings

Hokkaido lamb Jingiskan; venison or elk stew; miso-marinated grilled pork; burdock and mushroom dishes; spiced charcuterie.

When to drink it

Autumn and winter dinners; barbecue with game or lamb; Japanese izakaya

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Lemberger (Blaufränkisch) from Tap-Kop farm, Mikasa. No synthetic chemicals in vineyard. Minimal intervention winemaking at Kurisawa Wines.

About the producer

Kondo VineyardPioneer of kvevri winemaking in Hokkaido; horse-drawn viticulture and mixed-planting field blends from Sorachi's cool inland terroir岩見沢市, 北海道 · Founded 2017Visit the producer page →

More wines from Kondo Vineyard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemberger?: Lemberger (also called Blaufränkisch) is a red grape variety originally from Austria and Germany, known for dark fruit flavours, spicy notes, and good acidity. It is rarely grown in Japan, making Kondo's version a genuine rarity.
How does Hokkaido Lemberger compare to Austrian Blaufränkisch?: Kondo's cool-climate Lemberger is fresher and lighter than many Austrian examples, with brighter fruit and higher natural acidity — a distinctive expression of the Sorachi terroir.
What food does Tap-Kop Lemberger pair with?: Its fresh acidity and fine tannins make it a natural match for Hokkaido lamb Jingiskan, venison stew, and miso-marinated grilled pork, as well as savory, umami-rich Japanese dishes in general.
When is the best time to drink it?: It shows beautifully young, within a few years of release, when its violet and dark plum fruit is most vivid, though its fine-grained tannic structure also allows it to evolve gracefully over the medium term.

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