About Barrel-Aged Chardonnay
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Chardonnay
- Price Range
- ¥3,200
- excl. tax; official release price for the 2014 vintage, launched Oct. 17, 2015, 750ml
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Barrel-Aged Chardonnay is Vintage Farm's flagship white wine, made from 100% Chardonnay grown on the winery's own high-density vineyard in Egusa, Suyama-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi — at roughly 1,350m elevation on the slopes of Mt. Kayagatake. After destemming, the must is fermented in French oak barriques using EC-1118 yeast with no added sugar, then aged on its lees in the same barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel the following spring, followed by cold stabilization and filtration before bottling. The wine shows a clear, pale yellow color, with aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit layered with oak-derived notes of vanilla and coconut, and a well-balanced palate of ripe fruit and bright acidity.
Vintage Farm's most ambitious white — French-barrique fermentation and in-barrel malolactic fermentation give this Chardonnay a structure rarely seen from such a small-production Japanese winery.
New to wine?
A gentle, approachable introduction to oak-aged Japanese Chardonnay — buttery vanilla notes balanced by crisp acidity.
Food Pairings
The wine's oak-driven vanilla and coconut notes pair well with roasted or grilled white meats and cream-based dishes; its bright acidity also complements grilled fish and shellfish with butter sauce.
When to drink it
Special dinners, gifts, and occasions calling for a structured, food-friendly Japanese oaked white.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Chardonnay from Vintage Farm's own high-density vineyard in Egusa, Suyama-cho, Hokuto City (approx. 1,350m elevation). Destemmed and fermented in French oak barriques with EC-1118 yeast, no chaptalization. Aged on lees in barrel through the following spring, with malolactic fermentation completed in barrel. Cold-stabilized and filtered before bottling. ABV 12.5%; total acidity (as tartaric) 8.25g/L; extract 2.84%; pH 3.31; total SO2 170ppm, free SO2 50ppm. Bottled in 750ml format; the 2014 vintage was bottled in July 2015 with a production run of 634 bottles.
About the producer
Vintage FarmHigh-altitude, high-density viticulture in Hokuto北杜市, 山梨県Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape variety is used in Vintage Farm's Barrel-Aged Chardonnay?
- It is made from 100% Chardonnay grown on Vintage Farm's own high-density vineyard in Egusa, Suyama-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
- How is the wine made?
- After destemming, the must is fermented in French oak barriques with EC-1118 yeast and no added sugar, then aged on its lees in barrel, undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel the following spring before cold stabilization, filtration, and bottling.
- What does Barrel-Aged Chardonnay taste like?
- A clear, pale yellow wine with aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit layered with oak-derived vanilla and coconut notes, offering a good balance of fruit richness and acidity.
- What is the alcohol content?
- 12.5% ABV, according to the producer's official product spec sheet.
- Is Vintage Farm's Barrel-Aged Chardonnay still available for purchase?
- This is a small-production wine (634 bottles for the 2014 vintage); as of research in 2026, Vintage Farm's operating status and current stock could not be confirmed, so availability should be checked directly with retailers or the producer.
Want to know more about this wine?
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