About Yama Sauvignon
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Yama Sauvignon
- Price Range
- ¥1,980
- Alcohol
- 11%
Yama Sauvignon is a bold, characterful red from Sanyo Wine made entirely from the Yama Sauvignon grape — a Japanese hybrid of wild Vitis coignetiae (yamabudo) and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. On opening it shows a sharp, assertive character with the bright, natural acidity typical of yamabudo; with a little air the fruit rounds out into a softer, more approachable wine. Fermented slowly in stainless steel with dry yeast added late in fermentation, the winemaker notes that the grape's character shifts dramatically depending on the vineyard plot it comes from. Best enjoyed young, it leans toward the adventurous end of Japanese wine rather than an easy first pour, with labels illustrated by Neko Yuko.
Few wines capture the untamed spirit of Japan's native yamabudo as directly as this one — sharp and wild at first pour, but it rewards patience as it opens into something genuinely singular.
New to wine?
A bold, rustic red for the more adventurous drinker — not the gentlest entry point, but a fascinating taste of Japan's wild grape heritage.
Food Pairings
The grape's wild acidity and firm structure stand up well to grilled or simmered meats — think yakitori with tare sauce, beef sukiyaki, or hearty stews. Its rustic edge also pairs nicely with aged hard cheeses.
When to drink it
Grilled meat dinners, izakaya gatherings, or for curious drinkers exploring native Japanese hybrid grapes.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Yama Sauvignon (a Vitis coignetiae × Cabernet Sauvignon hybrid) grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. Fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks, with dry yeast added late in fermentation. According to the winemaker, character varies significantly depending on the source vineyard. Stelvin screw cap closure, 750ml, ABV 11%. Best from around March 2025; store and serve chilled at 12-15°C.
About the producer
Sanyo WineFamily winery in Makioka crafting gentle, natural Japanese wine since 1933.山梨市, 山梨県 · Founded 1933Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Yama Sauvignon made from?
- It is made 100% from the Yama Sauvignon grape, a Japanese hybrid variety crossing wild Vitis coignetiae (yamabudo) with Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in Yamanashi Prefecture.
- What does Sanyo Wine's Yama Sauvignon taste like?
- It opens with a sharp, assertive character and bright natural acidity from the yamabudo parentage, then softens into a rounder, more approachable wine with a little time in the glass.
- Is Yama Sauvignon a beginner-friendly wine?
- Not especially — Sanyo Wine itself describes it as leaning toward enthusiast tastes, with a bold, untamed character best suited to adventurous drinkers.
- How should Yama Sauvignon be served and stored?
- Serve chilled at around 12-15°C and drink relatively young; the winery recommends enjoying it from around March 2025 onward rather than long-term cellaring.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier