About Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu
- Price Range
- Not currently on sale -- the 2018 vintage (1,200 bottles) is listed as discontinued on the official site with no published retail price.
- Alcohol
- 12%
Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie is a dry white wine from Hombo Shuzo's Chateau Mars range, made entirely from fully ripened Koshu grapes grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi, and vinified at Mars Hosaka Winery (part of Mars Yamanashi Winery). Crafted using the sur lie method -- resting the wine on its spent lees after fermentation to build texture and depth -- it shows a rich aroma of green apple and Japanese citrus, with a soft, rounded palate and a concentrated, dry finish. Released in January 2020 (2018 vintage, 1,200 bottles), the wine is a historical bottling that Hombo Shuzo's official site now lists as discontinued.
A sur lie Koshu built for the table, not the cellar -- its Hosaka-grown fruit gives it a slightly richer, rounder texture than its Shirane sibling.
New to wine?
A gentle, food-friendly introduction to Koshu -- green apple and citrus aromas with a soft, easy-drinking dry finish.
Food Pairings
Its bright acidity and citrus-apple aromatics pair well with lightly seasoned white fish sashimi, grilled saltwater fish, and tofu dishes. Also complements tempura and other lightly fried foods.
When to drink it
Everyday meals centered on Japanese cuisine, or casual gatherings with friends.
Terroir & Winemaking
Ingredients: grapes (Hosaka town) / antioxidant (sulfites). Vineyard area: Hosaka district, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi. Varietal: 100% Koshu. Winery: Mars Hosaka Winery (part of Mars Yamanashi Winery). ABV 12%, 750ml bottle. 2018 vintage, 1,200 bottles produced, JAN 4976881420359. Listed as discontinued on the official Hombo Shuzo site.
About the producer
Mars Yamanashi WineryOver 60 years crafting Yamanashi's Chateau Mars wines笛吹市, 山梨県 · Founded 1960Visit the producer page →More wines from Mars Yamanashi Winery
- Cabernet Muscat Bailey A Hosaka PremiumRed · Cabernet Sauvignon · Muscat Bailey A
- Delaware SparklingSparkling · Delaware
- First Harvest Delaware NigoriSparkling · Delaware
- First Harvest Kyoho NigoriSweet · Kyoho
- Fuefuki Muscat Bailey ARed · Muscat Bailey A · Alicante
- Hokuto Cabernet & MerlotRed · Cabernet Sauvignon · Merlot
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie made from?
- It is made from 100% Koshu grapes grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi.
- What does Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie taste like?
- It has aromas of green apple and Japanese citrus, with a soft, rounded palate and a concentrated dry finish shaped by the sur lie aging process.
- How is Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie different from Shirane Koshu Sur Lie?
- Both are sur lie Koshu wines from Mars Yamanashi Winery, but Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie uses grapes from the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, while Shirane Koshu Sur Lie uses grapes from the former Shirane district of Minami-Alps City -- a different vineyard area with a distinct terroir.
- Is Hosaka Koshu Sur Lie still available?
- The 2018 vintage bottling (1,200 bottles) is listed as discontinued on Hombo Shuzo's official site as of 2026.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier