About this wine
Part of Memuro Winery's signature 'wine for every field' series, in which each grower's harvest is vinified separately to express the character of a single vineyard. This bottling is crafted from 100% Yamasachi grapes grown by Koichi Bito in Memuro, Tokachi (Hokkaido), and aged for one year in French oak barrels. Yamasachi — a cold-hardy hybrid of wild Vitis amurensis grapes and Kiyomi, registered with the OIV in 2020 as Japan's third indigenous variety — shows a distinctive pine-resin and herbal smokiness, raspberry and earthy fruit tones inherited from its wild-grape parentage, and a crisp, refreshing acidity with a clean, cool mouthfeel.
A distinctive Japanese red with a cool, refreshing character — an approachable way to discover the native Yamasachi grape without the weight of a typical full-bodied red.
Sommelier's Note
"A vivid, single-vineyard expression of Yamasachi — its pine-resin smokiness and wild-berry earthiness capture the character of one grower's Memuro field in a single glass."
Food Pairings
Its earthy, gamey fruit character and bright acidity make it a natural match for Hokkaido specialties such as venison (ezo-shika) and Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), as well as spicy ethnic dishes that echo the wine's herbal, smoky notes.
When to drink it
A conversation-starting bottle for dinners with fellow wine lovers, or paired with a special Hokkaido-inspired meal at home.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Yamasachi
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 11.0
- Price Range
- ¥6,000-7,000
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Yamasachi grapes from Koichi Bito's vineyard in Memuro, Tokachi. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Alcohol content approximately 11.0%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Yamasachi BITO KOICHI taste like?
- It shows a smoky, pine-resin-like aroma alongside raspberry and earthy fruit notes inherited from its wild-grape parentage, balanced by crisp, refreshing acidity and a clean, cool mouthfeel.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Hokkaido specialties like venison (ezo-shika) and Genghis Khan grilled mutton, as well as soy-based Japanese dishes and spicy ethnic cuisine that complement its smoky, earthy character.
- What makes this bottling special compared to other Yamasachi wines?
- It is a single-vineyard wine from Memuro Winery's 'wine for every field' series, made exclusively from grapes grown by one producer, Koichi Bito, so it expresses the character of his specific vineyard rather than a blend of growers.
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