What does NAKAI Kerner taste like?

Expect lifted aromas of white flowers and muscat grape with mint and green apple freshness, leading to a palate of Japanese citrus and grapefruit-like fruit, bright acidity, honeyed richness, and a pleasantly bitter finish.

How is it different from NAKAI blanc?

Both come from the same Nakai Kanko Farm vineyard, but NAKAI blanc is a blend of Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris, while NAKAI Kerner is a separate, single-varietal Kerner bottling.

What's the best serving temperature?

Chill to around 8-10°C to highlight Kerner's floral, muscat-like aromatics alongside its bright acidity.

CuvéeHokkaidoWhite

NAKAI Kerner

ナカイケルナー

Sapporo Fujino Winery

About NAKAI Kerner

Style: White
Grape Varieties: Kerner
Price Range: ¥3,960; tax included
Alcohol: 11.5%

NAKAI Kerner is a single-varietal white wine from Sapporo Fujino Winery's VINEYARD series, made entirely from Kerner grown at Nakai Kanko Farm in the Nobori district of Yoichi, Hokkaido — the same trusted contract vineyard behind the winery's NAKAI blanc blend, though this cuvée is 100% Kerner rather than a Kerner/Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Gris blend. Fermented with wild yeast in the winery's minimal-intervention house style, it shows a pale straw color with aromas of fresh white flowers and muscat grape, lifted by mint and green apple. The palate is soft and gently textured, with bright acidity carrying Japanese citrus and grapefruit-like fruit, a honeyed richness, and a pleasant, lingering bitterness on the finish.

Sommelier's Note

Kerner's aromatic, muscat-like character shines through unfiltered here — arguably the purest expression of Nakai Kanko Farm's fruit in the NAKAI lineup.

New to wine?

An easy-drinking single-varietal white with lifted floral and muscat aromatics — a friendly introduction to Yoichi's Kerner.

Food Pairings

Bright citrus and grapefruit-like fruit with a gentle bitterness make it a natural match for carpaccio of white fish, steamed shellfish, and lightly fried mountain vegetables (sansai tempura); its floral, muscat-like aromatics also pair well with grilled chicken and citrus-dressed salads.

When to drink it

An aperitif or a companion to seafood-centered meals, best enjoyed well chilled.

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Kerner sourced from the Nakai Kanko Farm contract vineyard in Nobori, Yoichi, Hokkaido. Fermented entirely with wild yeast per the winery's minimal-intervention house style. ABV 11.5%, 750ml bottle.

About the producer

Sapporo Fujino WineryA sisters' tribute winery crafting natural, unfiltered Sapporo wines.札幌市, 北海道 · Founded 2009Visit the producer page →

More wines from Sapporo Fujino Winery

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does NAKAI Kerner taste like?: Expect lifted aromas of white flowers and muscat grape with mint and green apple freshness, leading to a palate of Japanese citrus and grapefruit-like fruit, bright acidity, honeyed richness, and a pleasantly bitter finish.
How is it different from NAKAI blanc?: Both come from the same Nakai Kanko Farm vineyard, but NAKAI blanc is a blend of Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris, while NAKAI Kerner is a separate, single-varietal Kerner bottling.
What food pairs well with it?: Its citrus-driven fruit and gentle bitterness pair naturally with carpaccio of white fish, steamed shellfish, and lightly fried mountain vegetables, and it also works well with grilled chicken.
What's the best serving temperature?: Chill to around 8-10°C to highlight Kerner's floral, muscat-like aromatics alongside its bright acidity.

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