About L'Orient Katsunuma Koshu
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu
- Price Range
- ¥3,300
- 720ml
- Alcohol
- 12%
L'Orient Katsunuma Koshu is Shirayuri Winery's celebrated flagship wine, made entirely from Koshu grapes grown in Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi — the historic home of Japan's native Koshu grape and the town where the winery itself is based. Vinified using the traditional sur-lie method for a dry, umami-rich character, each vintage must pass the strict quality inspection of the Katsunuma Wineries Club review committee before release. Unlike the winery's everyday, blended-fruit nouveau bottling 'L'Orient Koshu' (released fresh each autumn from grapes sourced across Yamanashi Prefecture) or its ultra-limited single-vineyard premium series ('Vigne de Nakagawa', 'Vigne de Shirayuri', 'Fukuori Koshu', 'Miyanoue Koshu'), Katsunuma Koshu draws exclusively on fruit from the Katsunuma appellation itself and has built, vintage after vintage since 2017, one of the most decorated award records of any Japanese Koshu — including a rare Platinum medal (the highest honor) at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 for its 2019 vintage, one of only two Japanese wines to win Platinum that year. It has also been featured in the acclaimed gourmet manga 'Oishinbo' (vol. 80) and 'Kami no Shizuku' ('Drops of God', vol. 40). The 2023 vintage is bottled in a limited run of 24,622 bottles. It shows layered citrus aromatics, soft acidity, and the distinctive savory umami depth that sets Koshu apart from other white wines.
This is the wine that put Shirayuri on the map — a Decanter Platinum medal (one of only two ever awarded to a Japanese wine in that vintage) proves that Katsunuma-grown Koshu, made simply and honestly with the sur-lie technique, can rival the world's best whites.
New to wine?
The winery's most awarded and best-known Koshu — a reliable, food-friendly introduction to what dry Koshu from its historic home, Katsunuma, tastes like.
Food Pairings
The winery's own recommended pairings are vegetable tempura and sushi. The wine's soft acidity and umami depth also suit delicate white fish sashimi, grilled scallops, and light soy-based dishes.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners featuring tempura or sushi, casual gatherings, and as an approachable but decorated gift for wine lovers curious about award-winning Japanese Koshu.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from 100% Koshu grapes grown in Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi. Vinified using the traditional sur-lie method, extending contact with the lees to build a dry, umami-rich texture. Dry style, positioned near the driest end of the winery's own sweetness scale. Each vintage is inspected and certified by the Katsunuma Wineries Club quality review committee before release. 720ml, 12% ABV. The 2023 vintage is bottled in a limited run of 24,622 bottles. Cool (chilled) delivery available through late September for freshness.
About the producer
L'Orient WineAward-winning Koshu served at the G7 Hiroshima Summit甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1938Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes L'Orient Katsunuma Koshu different from Shirayuri's other Koshu wines?
- Unlike the winery's everyday nouveau 'L'Orient Koshu' (a blend of Yamanashi-wide fruit) or its single-vineyard premium series (Vigne de Nakagawa, Vigne de Shirayuri, Fukuori, Miyanoue), Katsunuma Koshu is made exclusively from grapes grown in Katsunuma-cho — the historic birthplace of the Koshu grape and the town where Shirayuri Winery itself is based — and has built its own decades-spanning award record as the winery's flagship bottling.
- What awards has this wine won?
- The 2019 vintage won a Platinum medal — the highest honor — at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2021, one of only two Japanese wines to achieve Platinum that year. Subsequent vintages have continued to win medals almost every year, including Gold at the Sakura Wine Award 2025 and Silver at DWWA 2025 for the 2023 vintage.
- What food pairs well with L'Orient Katsunuma Koshu?
- The winery recommends vegetable tempura and sushi; its soft acidity and savory umami also pair beautifully with white fish sashimi and other delicate Japanese dishes.
- Is L'Orient Katsunuma Koshu sweet or dry?
- It is a dry wine, vinified using the traditional sur-lie method to build a rich, umami-driven texture rather than residual sweetness.
- Has this wine appeared in any media?
- Yes — it has been featured in the popular gourmet manga 'Oishinbo' (volume 80) and 'Kami no Shizuku' ('Drops of God', volume 40), as well as on Japanese TV.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier