Kurisawa Blanc

About this wine

Kurisawa Blanc is the sole wine released under the Nakazawa Vineyard label and one of Japan's most sought-after white wines. It is a field blend of all varieties grown on the estate — typically Gewürztraminer (~37%), Pinot Gris (~28%), Kerner (~11%), Silvaner (~9%), Pinot Noir vinified as white (~9%), and other varieties (~6%) — co-fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel. The wine is celebrated for its layered aromatics (spiced quince, baked peach, ginger, white flowers, citrus, passion fruit) and a textured, slightly resinous palate with fine phenolic structure and lingering effusive finish. Production is tiny; annual harvests can be drastically reduced by weather or disease, making each release highly coveted. James Suckling awarded the 2020 vintage 93 points.

Sommelier's Note

"Kurisawa Blanc is the definitive expression of Hokkaido cool-climate white winemaking. The field blend structure — all 15 estate varieties co-fermented — produces a wine that no single-varietal bottling could replicate: a kaleidoscope of Gewürztraminer's lychee and rose petal, Pinot Gris's textural weight, Kerner's mountain herb freshness, and a saline spine from Iwamizawa's volcanic soil. Serve at 10–12°C; it opens beautifully over 30–45 minutes."

Food Pairings

Snow crab bisque, Hokkaido scallop carpaccio, grilled white asparagus with hollandaise, mild aged Camembert, butter-poached lobster, and aromatic Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.

When to drink it

Special occasion dinner, sommelier's table pick, wine collector gift, Hokkaido cuisine pairing event.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Kerner, Silvaner, Pinot Noir, Auxerrois

Style

White

Price Range

Approximately ¥5,000–¥8,000 per bottle in Japan; international retail around USD 280–300 per bottle (rare import).

Terroir & Winemaking

Whole-cluster or destemmed harvest depending on vintage; wild-yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks; no fining or heavy filtration. From 2013 produced at 10R Winery (custom-crush), Kurisawa. Earlier vintages (2002–2012) were made at Coco Farm Winery, Tochigi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kurisawa Blanc made every year?

Not always. Severe weather or disease pressure can drastically cut yields; some vintages see very limited releases or none at all, adding to the wine's rarity.

Why are all grape varieties blended together?

The Nakazawas believe a field blend that mirrors the full diversity of their 2.7 ha plot creates greater complexity and expresses the terroir more faithfully than any single-varietal wine could.

Where can I buy Kurisawa Blanc?

It is sold through a small number of specialist Japanese wine retailers and restaurants. No direct-to-consumer online shop is operated; expect mailing lists or restaurant allocations.

Does the wine age well?

Yes. Its phenolic structure and natural acidity give it a 5–10-year cellaring window. The aromatic oils from Gewürztraminer develop beautifully with a few years of bottle age.

What is the alcohol level?

Typically 12–13%, keeping it lively and refreshing despite the intense aromatics.