How is SPARKLING BLANC produced?

It is made using méthode traditionnelle (the traditional method): after primary fermentation, the wine is bottled with sugar and yeast and undergoes secondary fermentation and lees aging inside the bottle for about a year, producing fine, creamy bubbles.

What does SPARKLING BLANC taste like?

Expect aromas of lime and citrus with a honeyed floral note, a clean and refreshing impression, light body, firm acidity, and smoky, yeast-derived nuances of clove and nuts on the palate. It finishes dry (Brut) with a subtle bitterness.

What food pairs well with SPARKLING BLANC?

The winery recommends Japanese fish dishes such as sashimi and grilled fish, plus bolder flavors like namero, pickles, and tempura. It also works well as an aperitif with oyster tempura or herb-roasted chicken.

At what temperature should SPARKLING BLANC be served?

The winery recommends serving it well chilled, at around 6-7°C.

CuvéeIbarakiWhiteSparkling

SPARKLING BLANC

スパークリングブラン

Tsukuba Winery

About SPARKLING BLANC

Style: White, Sparkling
Grape Varieties: Hokuten no Shizuku
Price Range: ¥5,280-5,390

SPARKLING BLANC is Tsukuba Winery's traditional-method white sparkling wine, made from 100% Hokuten no Shizuku — a domestic hybrid cross of Riesling and wild mountain grape (yamabudo) — grown on the granite-derived soils at the foot of Mount Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture. Launched in May 2023 (2021 vintage) as one of the winery's first two sparkling releases alongside SPARKLING ROSE, it undergoes méthode traditionnelle secondary fermentation in the bottle for about a year, producing fine, creamy bubbles. Aromas of lime and citrus mingle with honeyed floral notes for a clean, refreshing impression, while a light body and firm acidity carry smoky, yeast-derived nuances of clove and nuts for added depth and complexity. A dry Brut, it is a distinct cuvée from the winery's still whites (Tsukuba Blanc, Tsukuba Blanc Premium, TWIN PEAKS BLANC) and from its rosé counterpart, SPARKLING ROSE, which is built on the red hybrid Fuji no Yume.

Sommelier's Note

Japan's Hokuten no Shizuku rarely gets the traditional-method treatment it deserves — this bottle proves the hybrid grape has the acid backbone and aromatic lift to carry a full year on its lees.

New to wine?

A gentle, food-friendly introduction to Japanese traditional-method sparkling wine — bright citrus flavors with fine, creamy bubbles that never feel too serious.

Food Pairings

The winery recommends pairing with Japanese fish dishes; the wine's subtle bitterness on the finish suits sashimi, grilled fish, and other seafood preparations, as well as bolder flavors like namero (minced fish with miso and herbs), Japanese pickles, and tempura. Also excellent as an aperitif with oyster tempura, herb-roasted chicken, shrimp gratin, or salmon marinated with lemon and dill.

When to drink it

Celebrations, parties, and gatherings with friends where a proper bottle-fermented sparkling wine is called for; also enjoyable as an everyday aperitif with seafood.

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Hokuten no Shizuku (a Riesling × wild mountain grape/yamabudo hybrid), hand-harvested from the winery's own vineyard on Mount Tsukuba's granite soils. Vinified using méthode traditionnelle: base wine is bottled with sugar and yeast (liqueur de tirage), sealed, and left to undergo secondary fermentation and lees aging in the bottle for approximately one year before disgorgement. Dry, Brut style, 750ml. Best served well chilled at 6-7°C.

About the producer

Tsukuba WineryVineyard-to-bottle wines from the foot of Mount Tsukubaつくば市, 茨城県 · Founded 2012Visit the producer page →

More wines from Tsukuba Winery

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grape is SPARKLING BLANC made from?: It is made from 100% Hokuten no Shizuku, a domestic hybrid cross of Riesling and wild mountain grape (yamabudo), grown on Tsukuba Winery's own vineyard at the foot of Mount Tsukuba.
How is SPARKLING BLANC produced?: It is made using méthode traditionnelle (the traditional method): after primary fermentation, the wine is bottled with sugar and yeast and undergoes secondary fermentation and lees aging inside the bottle for about a year, producing fine, creamy bubbles.
What does SPARKLING BLANC taste like?: Expect aromas of lime and citrus with a honeyed floral note, a clean and refreshing impression, light body, firm acidity, and smoky, yeast-derived nuances of clove and nuts on the palate. It finishes dry (Brut) with a subtle bitterness.
What food pairs well with SPARKLING BLANC?: The winery recommends Japanese fish dishes such as sashimi and grilled fish, plus bolder flavors like namero, pickles, and tempura. It also works well as an aperitif with oyster tempura or herb-roasted chicken.
At what temperature should SPARKLING BLANC be served?: The winery recommends serving it well chilled, at around 6-7°C.

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