About Hosaka Shukaku Blanc
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu
- Price Range
- ¥1,350-2,200
- official retail ¥1,989 incl. tax
- Alcohol
- 12%
Hosaka Shukaku Blanc is a dry white wine from the Chateau Mars range, crafted by Mars Hosaka Winery (part of Mars Yamanashi Winery / Hombo Shuzo) from fully ripened Koshu grapes grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi — one of the prefecture's premier vineyard areas at the foot of Mt. Kayagatake. Aged with a touch of French oak, it shows aromas of grapefruit and apple, a fine and complex texture, and bright, food-friendly acidity beneath a subtle oak nuance. The 2023 vintage won Gold at the 2025 Kura Master Japan Wine Competition (Koshu category) and Gold at the 2025 SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards (still white).
This is Chateau Mars at its most drinkable: a Koshu-based white that trades austerity for a soft, fruit-forward roundness — proof that Japan's native grape can be both serious (multiple Gold medals) and utterly easy to pour on a weeknight.
New to wine?
An easy, approachable introduction to Japan's signature Koshu grape — light oak, no sharp edges, and food-friendly acidity that pairs with almost anything.
Food Pairings
A versatile partner for delicate seafood and lightly seasoned dishes: think sashimi, grilled white fish, tempura, or roast chicken. Its gentle oak and bright acidity also stand up well to cream-based pasta and soft, washed-rind cheeses.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners, izakaya-style spreads, and casual gatherings where a food-friendly white is needed.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes: fully ripened Koshu sourced from contract growers in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi. Vinified with a brief French oak élevage to add subtle toast notes while preserving the variety's natural citrus-driven aromatics. Bottled at 12% ABV under screw cap, 750ml.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Hosaka Shukaku Blanc made from?
- It is made primarily from Koshu, Japan's native white grape, grown by contract farmers in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi.
- What does Hosaka Shukaku Blanc taste like?
- A dry white with aromas of grapefruit and apple, a fine and complex texture, subtle French oak notes, and fruity, food-friendly acidity leading to a full, rounded finish.
- What food pairs well with Hosaka Shukaku Blanc?
- It pairs naturally with Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, tempura, and grilled fish, as well as fried and stir-fried Chinese dishes like gyoza and spring rolls.
- Has Hosaka Shukaku Blanc won any awards?
- Yes. The 2023 vintage won Gold at Kura Master 2025 (Japan Wine Competition, Koshu category) and Gold at the 2025 SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards in the still white category, among other honors.
- What is the alcohol content of Hosaka Shukaku Blanc?
- It is bottled at 12% ABV.
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