Yama Sauvignon

About this wine

Yama Sauvignon is Noto Wine's flagship single-varietal red, made entirely from Yama Sauvignon — a rare Japanese grape bred by crossing the wild mountain vine Yamabudo (Vitis coignetiae) with Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards around Anamizu on the Noto Peninsula in September and October, at the point of optimal sugar-acid balance, and vinified as a single varietal with no blending. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is bottled unheated (nama-zume) to preserve its living, vivid character. The result is a deep purple-hued dry red with firm acidity and ripe fruit concentration, framed by wild berry aromatics — raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry — layered with mint, bell pepper, and an earthy, rustic undertone inherited from its wild Yamabudo parentage. It has won a Gold Award in the medium-bodied red category of Nihon de Nomou Saiko no Wine (2017) and a Silver Award at the Sakura Awards (2018), and earlier vintages took consecutive Bronze prizes at the Japan Wine Competition (2008-2009).

Sommelier's Note

"Noto Wine's most distinctive bottling — proof that Japan's own wild Yamabudo lineage can produce a serious, structured dry red with a sense of place no European variety could replicate."

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled and roasted meats, game dishes, yakitori with tare sauce, and aged hard cheeses. Its firm acidity and wild fruit character also stand up well to soy- and miso-glazed dishes.

When to drink it

Casual weeknight dinners, yakitori or BBQ nights, and as a distinctive gift for wine lovers curious about Japan's indigenous grape varieties.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Yama Sauvignon

Style

Red

Alcohol

11.0

Price Range

¥1,800-2,500 (720ml)

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Yama Sauvignon, hand-harvested from Anamizu-machi vineyards on the Noto Peninsula (Sept-Oct) at peak sugar-acid balance. Single-varietal, no blending. Fermented in stainless steel tanks; bottled unheated (nama-zume, unpasteurized) to retain fresh aromatics. Dry, medium body, 11.0% ABV, 720ml (also available as a 360ml half bottle).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Noto Wine's Yama Sauvignon taste like?

It shows a deep purple color with firm acidity and concentrated ripe fruit, layered with wild raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry aromas, plus mint and green pepper notes and an earthy, rustic finish from its wild Yamabudo heritage.

What food pairs best with it?

Grilled meats, yakitori with tare sauce, and soy- or miso-glazed Japanese dishes such as sukiyaki or simmered beef tendon all bring out its acidity and fruit concentration.

What grape is Yama Sauvignon made from?

It is 100% Yama Sauvignon, a Japanese hybrid created by crossing the wild mountain grape Yamabudo (Vitis coignetiae) with Cabernet Sauvignon, prized for thriving in Japan's humid climate.