Tochi

About this wine

Mongaku Valley's flagship cuvée. A Pinot Noir-dominant field blend of 5–7 co-planted varieties, wild-yeast fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2024 vintage comprises Pinot Noir (64%), Pinotage (23%), Pinot Gris (5%), Chardonnay (4%), and Sauvignon Blanc (4%). Despite being a white wine, the dominant Pinot Noir gives Tochi a firm, three-dimensional structure that sets it apart from most whites. The palate shows dashi-like umami, saline minerality, and a complex, long finish.

Sommelier's Note

"Tochi is proof that Hokkaido can produce whites of Burgundian depth — the field blend approach gives it a complexity no single-variety wine can match."

Food Pairings

Designed for Japanese cuisine: dashi-based broths, fresh seafood (scallops, shrimp, oysters), mountain vegetables, and fermented seasonings. Also excellent with herb-roasted chicken and aged cheeses.

When to drink it

Japanese dinner, special occasion, gift for a wine enthusiast

Specs

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Style

White

Price Range

~50 / ¥5,000–5,500

Terroir & Winemaking

Field blend of 5–7 co-planted varieties, co-harvested and co-fermented with wild yeasts. Handled by gravity flow; unfined and unfiltered. Recommended: 3+ years of bottle aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Tochi a white wine if Pinot Noir is dominant?

The grapes are pressed quickly after co-harvest, minimizing skin contact and extracting only subtle tannins and color. This gives Tochi the structure of Pinot Noir with the freshness of a white wine — a unique expression only possible with a field blend.

What does Tochi taste like?

Apricot, citrus, and pear compote on the nose, with herbs, iodine, and a hint of wood. On the palate: dashi-like umami, saline minerality, gentle bitterness, and a long, three-dimensional finish. Think Champagne complexity at still-wine elegance.

How long should I age Tochi?

Mongaku Valley recommends 3+ years of bottle aging to fully integrate the complex flavors from the field blend. That said, it's also enjoyable on release if served around 10–12°C.

What food pairs best with Tochi?

Dashi-based dishes, seafood (scallops, oysters), mountain vegetables, and umami-rich preparations like sea urchin or fermented soy. Its firm structure also stands up to herb-roasted chicken and aged Hokkaido cheese.