About this wine
Sauvignon Blanc from Yoichi, trained in vertical shoot positioning (VSP). The 2024 vintage shows grassy notes, lemon and grapefruit aromas, sufficient body, and subtle complex acidity. Wild-yeast fermented, no additions, unfiltered.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most approachable white varieties for newcomers: it is reliably crisp, aromatic, and food-friendly. Misono Vineyard's no-addition style lets the grape's natural grapefruit and herb character shine without any winemaking artifice.
Sommelier's Note
"Yoichi Sauvignon Blanc from a no-addition producer is a rarity—most Japanese SB comes from warmer regions. Misono Vineyard's cool hillside gives the variety a Loire Valley-like tension: grassy, citrus-forward, and precisely acidic."
Food Pairings
Shrimp and shellfish tempura, Hokkaido vegetable salads with citrus dressing, cold tofu with ginger, sashimi of white fish, goat cheese.
When to drink it
Summer aperitifs, light lunch pairings, Hokkaido vegetable-focused meals, casual weekday dinners.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Style
- White
- Price Range
- Approximately ¥3,500–¥4,500 per bottle
Terroir & Winemaking
VSP (vertical shoot positioning) trellis system. Wild-yeast fermentation, no additions, unfiltered. Grassy, citrus aromatic profile (2024 vintage).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does Yoichi Sauvignon Blanc compare to New Zealand or Loire Valley styles?
- Yoichi's cool climate gives it more in common with Sancerre (Loire Valley) than with the tropical fruit-forward Marlborough style. Expect grass, citrus, and a mineral edge rather than passionfruit and guava.
- Is this wine suitable as a summer wine?
- Absolutely. Sauvignon Blanc's natural crispness makes it ideal in warm weather. Serve at 8–10°C as a standalone aperitif or pair with cold dishes like sashimi and salads.
- Does this wine pair well with herb-forward dishes?
- Yes—Sauvignon Blanc's grassy, herbaceous aromatics pair naturally with dishes built around Japanese herbs like shiso (ooba) and myoga, as well as goat cheese and citrus-dressed salads.
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Albariño planted on east-facing hillsides of Yoichi overlooking the Sea of Japan. Trained in a pergola system similar to Galicia and Portugal, the grape was chosen for its affinity with the coastal environment—Yoichi's proximity to the sea mirrors the Atlantic conditions where Albariño thrives. Wild-yeast fermented, no additions, unfiltered.
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Amber Niagara
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Amber-hued orange wine from 50-year-old heritage Niagara vines, produced using 19 days of skin contact. The 2023 vintage reflects a hot, rainy season in Yoichi in which the old Niagara vines ripened exceptionally well, contributing depth, concentration, and complexity from the extended maceration. Priced at ¥3,080.