About this wine
Kurisawa Kerner is a single-varietal white wine produced from Kerner grapes grown in Nakazawa Vineyard's plot in the Kurisawa district of Iwamizawa, Hokkaido. Kerner — a cool-climate German crossing of Trollinger and Riesling — thrives in Hokkaido's cold winters and short but warm summers, producing wines with vivid aromatic character: floral notes of white peach and lychee, a mineral smokiness reminiscent of Riesling, and a clean, food-friendly acidity. Vinified with indigenous yeast and minimal sulphites under the Kurisawa Wines facility, the wine is unfiltered and unfined, expressing the full personality of this underappreciated variety in a Japanese terroir.
Kerner is like Riesling made more approachable — white peach and lychee fragrance, crisp acidity, and a satisfying mineral finish. Perfect for fans of aromatic white wines exploring Japanese terroir.
Sommelier's Note
"White peach, lychee, chalky mineral — Kurisawa's finest unfiltered Kerner."
Food Pairings
Kurisawa Kerner's aromatic profile shines with Hokkaido seafood: hokki clams, sea urchin, grilled shishamo smelt, and steamed white fish. Fresh goat cheese is a natural match, as is chawanmushi. The wine's vibrant acidity and floral character elevate delicate dashi-based dishes and vegetables across Japanese cuisine.
When to drink it
Pre-dinner aperitif, small group dinners, Japanese food pairing, summer outdoor dining.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Kerner
- Style
- White, dry
- Price Range
- ¥3,500–5,000 (approximate retail, 750ml)
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes: Kerner 100% from Nakazawa Vineyard, Kurisawa district, Iwamizawa, Hokkaido. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Unfiltered, unfined. Zero or minimal sulfite addition. Extremely limited production.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Kerner grape?
- Kerner is a German crossing of Trollinger and Riesling that thrives in Hokkaido's cold climate, producing wines with vivid white peach and lychee aromas and Riesling-like mineral character.
- What does Kurisawa Kerner taste like?
- White peach, lychee, and a chalky mineral smokiness reminiscent of Riesling — with bright food-friendly acidity and an unfiltered texture that adds freshness and depth.
- Who makes Kurisawa Kerner?
- Kurisawa Kerner is produced from Nakazawa Vineyard's plot in the Kurisawa district of Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, and vinified at the joint Kurisawa Wines facility using indigenous yeast.
- What food pairs with Kurisawa Kerner?
- Hokki clams, sea urchin, grilled shishamo smelt, steamed white fish, fresh goat cheese, and chawanmushi. The aromatic character and bright acidity lift delicate dashi-seasoned dishes.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
ピノ・グリ マセラシオン
Pinot Gris Maceration
rosedryPinot Gris
Pinot Gris Maceration is a skin-contact rosé produced from Pinot Gris grown in the Kurisawa district under the Kurisawa Wines label. Pinot Gris, whose skin pigmentation ranges from grey-pink to coppery-bronze, yields a naturally rosé-coloured wine when allowed brief contact with the skins during fermentation. The maceration adds body and a touch of tannin while preserving the variety's characteristic stone-fruit and floral notes. Produced with indigenous yeast and without fining or filtration, it stands as a textured, food-friendly expression of Hokkaido Pinot Gris in a natural winemaking style.
Tブラン
T Blanc
WhiteAuxerrois · Pinot Gris · Sylvaner · Pinot Noir · Chardonnay · Sauvignon Blanc · Gewurztraminer
T Blanc is a highly sought-after white wine crafted by Takumi Kondo at Kurisawa Wines in Hokkaido. It is a field blend of various cool-climate grape varieties, reflecting the unique terroir of the Sorachi region. The wine is known for its pure, elegant, and complex profile, often featuring notes of white flowers, stone fruits, and a distinct mineral backbone. With a gentle, natural winemaking approach, it captures the essence of the land, offering a harmonious balance between vibrant acidity and subtle, savory depth.