About this wine
Orange wine made from 30-year-old heritage Delaware vines inherited from the previous orchard owner. Destemmed, crushed, and macerated on skins and seeds with wild yeast and no SO2 for several days, then bottled unfiltered after secondary in-bottle fermentation (petillant naturel style). The 2022 vintage was sold at ¥2,750.
Orange wine can sound intimidating, but Misono's Delaware is actually the most approachable entry in their lineup. Delaware is a fruity, aromatic grape, and the skin contact adds a pleasant texture without excessive tannin. The slight fizz makes it refreshing.
Sommelier's Note
"Thirty-year-old Delaware vines in a no-addition, skin-macerated, petillant naturel style—this is Misono Vineyard at its most creative and distinctly Japanese. The heritage vines bring concentration that younger plantings simply cannot match."
Food Pairings
Hokkaido cheese, smoked salmon, charcuterie, tempura of seasonal vegetables, lightly pickled vegetables (tsukemono), and dishes with dashi-soy seasoning.
When to drink it
Pre-dinner aperitif, picnics, Hokkaido summer outdoor dining, wine geek gatherings.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Delaware
- Style
- orange
- Price Range
- ¥2,750 (2022 vintage)
Terroir & Winemaking
Heritage Delaware vines, 30 years old. Destemmed and crushed, wild-yeast skin maceration for several days, no SO2 added, pétillant naturel (secondary in-bottle fermentation), unfiltered. ¥2,750 (2022 vintage).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is orange wine?
- Orange wine is a white wine made with extended skin contact, similar to how red wine is made. The grape skins add color, tannins, and complexity. In Misono Vineyard's case, the 30-year-old Delaware grapes are macerated on their skins for several days before bottling.
- Is the Delaware variety common in wine?
- Delaware is a North American hybrid grape variety widely grown in Japan, particularly in Yamanashi and Hokkaido. It was historically used for table grapes and sweet wines, but natural winemakers in Yoichi have pioneered using it for no-addition, skin-contact wines with striking results.
- How should this pétillant naturel style wine be handled?
- Because it undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, shaking can cause it to gush when opened. Let the bottle rest undisturbed beforehand and slowly twist the cork open. Once opened, refrigerate and finish within a day for the best experience.
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