Grande Polaire Okayama Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged
グランポレール 岡山 マスカット・ベーリーA 樽熟成
Sapporo Wine Okayama WineryAbout Grande Polaire Okayama Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Muscat Bailey A
- Price Range
- ¥1,900-2,100
- Alcohol
- 12%
Grande Polaire Okayama Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged is a Standard-series Japanese red wine from Sapporo Wine Okayama Winery, made from 100% Muscat Bailey A grapes grown in the Aono district of Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture — one of western Japan's leading Muscat Bailey A growing areas. Contract growers there cultivate seeded vines specifically for winemaking (unlike the region's usual seedless table-grape style) and hand-harvest fully ripened fruit picked mid-to-late in the season. After careful, gentle fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, which add soft notes of vanilla and spice that layer over the variety's naturally fruity, mellow character. Tannins are light and approachable, making this an easy entry point into Japanese red wine. It sits in Grande Polaire's Standard series, distinct from the winery's Barrel Select bottling, which is a smaller-production, premium selection made only from the most aromatic barrels of the same base wine.
Proof that oak aging doesn't have to mean intimidating tannins — this is Muscat Bailey A at its most approachable, with just enough barrel spice to keep it interesting.
New to wine?
A gentle, oak-kissed red with soft tannins — a comfortable first step for those new to Japanese red wine.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with sukiyaki, hamburger steak (hambagu), teriyaki dishes, and sushi platters. The producer's own suggested pairings include mapo tofu, grilled conger eel (anago), and Japanese-style fried chicken (karaage) — best enjoyed at a slightly cool room temperature to bring out the harmony of oak spice and fruit.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners with grilled or teriyaki dishes, sushi nights, and everyday drinking.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Muscat Bailey A from contracted vineyards in the Aono district of Ibara City, Okayama Prefecture, grown on seeded vines specifically for wine production and hand-harvested mid-to-late in the picking season for higher ripeness. Gently fermented, then aged in oak barrels (Grande Polaire Standard series, distinct from the barrel-selected premium bottling). Medium body. Serving temperature 14-16°C. 750ml bottle, ABV 12%.
About the producer
Sapporo Wine Okayama WineryWestern Japan's largest winery, becoming Sapporo's sole wine production site赤磐市, 岡山県 · Founded 1984Visit the producer page →More wines from Sapporo Wine Okayama Winery
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is this different from Grande Polaire Okayama Muscat Bailey A Barrel Select?
- This wine (Barrel Aged) is the Standard-series bottling: the base wine is oak-aged and bottled more broadly. Barrel Select is a smaller-production, premium bottling hand-selected only from the barrels showing the most outstanding aroma and flavor, giving it a more concentrated character and a higher price point.
- What does Grande Polaire Okayama Muscat Bailey A Barrel Aged taste like?
- Soft red berry and plum fruit typical of Muscat Bailey A, layered with gentle vanilla and spice notes from oak barrel aging. Tannins are light, and the finish is mellow and easy-drinking.
- What food pairs well with this wine?
- Sukiyaki, hamburger steak, teriyaki dishes, and sushi platters all work well, as do the producer's own suggested pairings of mapo tofu, grilled conger eel, and Japanese fried chicken (karaage).
- What is the ABV and ideal serving temperature?
- It has an ABV of 12% and is best served at 14-16°C.
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