About Enmusubi Koshu
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu
- Price Range
- ¥2,200-2,800
Enmusubi Koshu is Shimane Winery's flagship white wine and a landmark in Japanese wine history: its 2018 vintage won the Gold Award and Best in Category at the 2019 Japan Wine Competition's Koshu division, the first time a winery outside Yamanashi Prefecture achieved this honor. Made entirely from Koshu grapes grown under contract in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, the wine shows a pale straw color with green tints. Aromas of blue and yellow apple lead into a palate with soft, rounded texture, crisp acidity, and a faint natural sweetness that balances into a dry finish. The wine has continued to perform well in competition, including another Japan Wine Competition gold for the 2023 vintage in 2024, confirming Shimane as a serious alternative terroir for Koshu outside its Yamanashi heartland.
This wine proved that world-class Koshu isn't limited to Yamanashi — its 2019 competition win was a watershed moment for Japanese wine, and it remains a must-try for anyone exploring Koshu's range.
New to wine?
A friendly, easy-drinking introduction to Koshu wine from outside its Yamanashi home turf — refreshing and food-friendly for everyday meals.
Food Pairings
A versatile match for delicate Japanese cuisine: sashimi (sea bream, flounder), tempura, grilled white fish, oysters, yakitori, and simmered dishes with dashi. Its crisp acidity also complements sushi and lightly salted grilled meats.
When to drink it
Wedding gifts and celebrations (thanks to its auspicious 'Enmusubi' matchmaking name tied to nearby Izumo Taisha shrine), sushi nights, and casual Japanese dinners.
Terroir & Winemaking
Fermented at low temperatures from Izumo-grown Koshu grapes to preserve delicate varietal aromatics. Minimal-intervention winemaking with careful racking highlights the fruit's natural purity; alcohol content is around 12-13% depending on vintage.
About the producer
Shimane WineryJapan's most visited winery near mythological Izumo Taisha. JWA 2025 four-star winner with gold medals at the Japan Wine Competition. Free factory tours, tastings of 9 wines, and Shimane wagyu BBQ on site.出雲市, 島根県 · Founded 1959Visit the producer page →More wines from Shimane Winery
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Enmusubi Koshu historically significant?
- Its 2018 vintage won Gold and Best in Category at the 2019 Japan Wine Competition's Koshu division, the first time a winery outside Yamanashi Prefecture won this honor for Koshu.
- What does it taste like?
- Pale straw-green in color with blue and yellow apple aromas, a soft rounded texture, crisp acidity, and a subtle natural sweetness balanced by a dry finish.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Delicate Japanese dishes such as sashimi, tempura, grilled white fish, oysters, and yakitori, as well as sushi and dashi-based simmered dishes.
- Is this a good wine for wedding gifts?
- Yes. Its name 'Enmusubi' (matchmaking) references the nearby Izumo Taisha shrine, making it a popular choice for wedding and engagement gifts in Japan.
- Has it won awards beyond 2019?
- Yes, the 2023 vintage also won Gold in the Koshu category at the 2024 Japan Wine Competition, showing the wine's consistent quality.
Want to know more about this wine?
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