What grapes are used in Budou Shinwa?

The red is a blend of Muscat Bailey A and Merlot, both grown in Shimane Prefecture. The white is made entirely from Koshu grapes.

Why is it called 'Grape Mythology' (Budou Shinwa)?

The name honors Izumo, the region where the wine is made and the setting of Japan's ancient mythology recorded in the Kojiki, near the famous Izumo Taisha shrine.

What does it taste like?

The red is soft and fruity with mild acidity and gentle tannins. The white is dry, crisp, and refreshing with clean citrus-like acidity.

What food pairs well with it?

The red suits soy-sauce based dishes like nikujaga and hamburger steak; the white pairs beautifully with sashimi and tempura.

Is it a vintage wine?

No, both the red and white are non-vintage (NV): tank-aged wine is blended across lots rather than labeled by a single harvest year.

CuvéeShimaneRedWhite

Budou Shinwa

葡萄神話

Shimane Winery

Muscat Bailey A · Merlot · Koshu

About this wine

Budou Shinwa ('Grape Mythology') is Shimane Winery's tribute to Izumo, the mythological birthplace of Japan recorded in the Kojiki. Made from 100% Shimane Prefecture-grown grapes, the series is tank-aged and blended rather than vintage-dated. The red is a soft, light-bodied blend of Muscat Bailey A and Merlot, showing gentle red-berry aromatics, mild acidity, and supple tannins. The white is produced entirely from Koshu grapes fermented at low temperature, yielding a dry, crisp wine with refined citrus-driven acidity and a clean finish. Together the pair forms an approachable, everyday expression of Izumo terroir and is one of the winery's most recognizable souvenir bottlings for visitors to nearby Izumo Taisha.

Beginner's Note

A gentle, easy-drinking pair for anyone new to Japanese wine — the red is soft and fruity, the white is crisp and refreshing.

Sommelier's Note

"This is the wine to hand a first-time Japanese-wine drinker: unpretentious, food-friendly, and named for the mythology of the very land it comes from."

Food Pairings

The red is best with simmered and grilled dishes seasoned with soy sauce and sugar — nikujaga (meat and potato stew), hamburger steak, and yakitori. The white's clean acidity suits sashimi, tempura, and other delicate seafood preparations.

When to drink it

A casual house wine for weeknight dinners, and a popular souvenir for visitors to Izumo Taisha and Shimane Winery.

Specs

Grape Varieties: Muscat Bailey A, Merlot, Koshu
Style: Red, White
Vintage: NV
Price Range: ¥1,500-2,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Both wines use 100% Shimane Prefecture-grown grapes. The red is a Muscat Bailey A and Merlot blend, tank-aged and blended without a specific vintage designation (NV). The white is 100% Koshu, fermented at low temperature to preserve delicate aromatics; alcohol content approximately 12.0%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes are used in Budou Shinwa?: The red is a blend of Muscat Bailey A and Merlot, both grown in Shimane Prefecture. The white is made entirely from Koshu grapes.
Why is it called 'Grape Mythology' (Budou Shinwa)?: The name honors Izumo, the region where the wine is made and the setting of Japan's ancient mythology recorded in the Kojiki, near the famous Izumo Taisha shrine.
What does it taste like?: The red is soft and fruity with mild acidity and gentle tannins. The white is dry, crisp, and refreshing with clean citrus-like acidity.
What food pairs well with it?: The red suits soy-sauce based dishes like nikujaga and hamburger steak; the white pairs beautifully with sashimi and tempura.
Is it a vintage wine?: No, both the red and white are non-vintage (NV): tank-aged wine is blended across lots rather than labeled by a single harvest year.

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