About Tokachi Wine Kiyomai
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Kiyomai
- Price Range
- ¥2,500-3,500
Tokachi Wine Kiyomai is a red wine made from the Kiyomai grape, a cold-hardy variety bred by the Ikeda Town Grape and Wine Research Institute in 1975 by crossing the Kiyomi grape with a wild mountain grape (Vitis amurensis) and officially registered in 2000. The wine shows a deep reddish-purple color and a crisp, spicy aroma from aging in French oak barrels. It combines the gentle acidity inherited from Kiyomi with the richer body contributed by the wild mountain grape parentage, resulting in a well-balanced, medium-light-bodied red that is easy to enjoy.
Kiyomai is the quiet middle child of Ikeda's three signature red grapes — less tannic than Yamasachi, a touch richer than Kiyomi — and that balance is exactly why it deserves more attention from anyone exploring Japan's original cool-climate reds.
New to wine?
A gentle, approachable red with modest alcohol and no rough edges — a good next step after trying Kiyomi, and an easy introduction to Ikeda's original cold-climate grape varieties.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with grilled and roasted meats, game dishes, and strong-flavored cheeses. Also complements sagari (skirt steak/harami) and Japanese dishes seasoned with soy sauce or miso, such as simmered pork belly and yakitori with tare sauce.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners, casual gatherings, and gifts for those curious about Japan's original cold-climate grape varieties.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from the Kiyomai grape variety (a Kiyomi × wild mountain grape cross, registered in 2000). Aged in French oak barrels for about 8 months after fermentation to soften tannins and add spice notes. Best served at 17-20°C.
About the producer
Tokachi WineJapan's first municipally run winery (est. 1963), born from post-disaster town revival and famous for developing the indigenous cold-hardy Kiyomi and Yamasachi grape varieties from scratch.池田町, 北海道 · Founded 1963Visit the producer page →More wines from Tokachi Wine
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Tokachi Wine Kiyomai taste like?
- It has a deep reddish-purple color, crisp spicy oak aromas from barrel aging, gentle acidity, and a medium-light body that balances fruit with a touch of richness.
- How is Kiyomai different from Tokachi Wine Kiyomi?
- Kiyomai was bred 30 years after Kiyomi by crossing Kiyomi with a wild mountain grape for greater cold hardiness. It keeps Kiyomi's light acidity but gains more body and spice from the mountain grape parentage.
- What food pairs well with Kiyomai?
- Grilled meats, game, strong cheeses, and Japanese dishes with soy sauce or miso, such as simmered pork belly or tare-glazed yakitori.
- What is the best serving temperature?
- Around 17-20°C, slightly cool for a red wine, which keeps its acidity refreshing.
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