Nikkawa Koshu Prophecy Bird

About this wine

Koshu Prophecy Bird is Nikkawa Winery's richer, full-bodied take on Japan's indigenous Koshu grape, made from 100% Katsunuma-grown fruit. Where the winery's flagship Sakura Jizo shows Koshu's classic light, crisp side, Prophecy Bird is vinified for weight and depth, aiming to prove the variety's potential beyond its 'delicate and thin' reputation. The label depicts the 'Yogen no Tori' (Prophecy Bird / Yogennotori) — a two-headed bird said to have appeared on Mt. Hakusan in late 1857 and foretold the cholera epidemic that struck Japan the following year, according to an Edo-period record held by the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum. The image resurfaced widely in spring 2020 as a folk talisman against COVID-19, alongside the better-known yokai Amabie, and Nikkawa Winery adopted it for this cuvee as a wish for the drinker's health and safety.

Sommelier's Note

"Nikkawa's answer to the idea that Koshu can only be light — Prophecy Bird trades crispness for body and shows a side of the grape few producers attempt."

Food Pairings

The wine's fuller body and richer texture make it a strong match for grilled fish, tempura, and other Japanese dishes seasoned with soy sauce or dashi; it also stands up well to creamy chicken dishes and mild, semi-hard cheeses.

When to drink it

A conversation-starting bottle for dinners with friends, gifting to Japanese-history or folklore enthusiasts, or pairing with a hearty Japanese meal.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Koshu

Style

White

Price Range

¥2,000-3,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Produced from 100% Koshu grapes grown in Katsunuma, Koshu City. Nikkawa Winery differentiates its Koshu bottlings by harvest timing and cellar treatment; Prophecy Bird is crafted toward a fuller, more concentrated style than the winery's everyday Sakura Jizo expression, emphasizing body and a rounder, more layered palate over Koshu's typical light freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Koshu Prophecy Bird taste like?

It is a fuller-bodied Koshu than most, with a richer, rounder texture and more concentrated fruit than the light, crisp style Koshu is usually known for.

What does the 'Prophecy Bird' on the label mean?

It depicts the Yogen no Tori (Yogennotori), a two-headed bird from an Edo-period Yamanashi record said to have predicted a cholera outbreak in 1858. It resurfaced as a folk talisman during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Nikkawa Winery uses it here as a wish for the drinker's health.

What food pairs well with it?

Its weight pairs well with grilled fish, tempura, and other soy sauce- or dashi-based Japanese dishes, as well as creamy chicken dishes and mild cheeses.

How is it different from Nikkawa's Sakura Jizo Koshu?

Sakura Jizo is Nikkawa's fresh, light, everyday-style Koshu, while Prophecy Bird is made for weight and depth, intentionally showing a fuller-bodied side of the same grape.