About Tsugai
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Koshu
- Price Range
- ¥1,958
- 750ml, tax included
- Alcohol
- 12.0%
Tsugai (番イ) is a dry, mineral-driven Koshu white from Yamato Budoshu's 'Mineral Koshu Project,' an initiative that answers the common criticism that Japanese wine is 'light, thin, and lacking character' by enriching vineyard soil with crushed, roasted shellfish powder to boost mineral content in the fruit. Made from 100% Koshu grapes and finished using the sur lie method, which lets amino acids and peptides dissolve back into the wine, Tsugai gains a layered depth and richness beyond typical everyday Koshu, framed by a fresh, fruity aroma. Its name means 'pair' — nature's gifts paired with human ingenuity, grape growers paired with winemakers, minerals paired with amino acids — and, above all, the quiet, everyday happiness of a married couple, which is why the wine is priced to be an accessible, everyday bottle. The 2011 vintage won the triple crown (Gold Award, Division Best, and Cost-Performance Award) in the dry Koshu category of Japan's 2012 Domestic Wine Competition.
Proof that an everyday-priced Koshu doesn't have to taste everyday — the sur lie technique and mineral-rich fruit give Tsugai real layered depth most wines in its price range simply don't have.
New to wine?
An easy-drinking, everyday Koshu with a bit more depth than the basics — a great next step after a first taste of Japanese white wine.
Food Pairings
Officially recommended with shellfish sashimi, tempura, and simmered dishes (nimono); its fresh acidity and sur lie-derived depth also suit grilled white fish and light seafood appetizers.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners with seafood, and everyday moments shared as a couple.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from 100% Koshu grapes grown in mineral-enriched vineyards under Yamato Budoshu's Mineral Koshu Project (soil amended with crushed, roasted shellfish powder). Finished sur lie, allowing amino acids and peptides to dissolve into the wine for added depth. ABV 12.0%, 750ml bottle. The 2011 vintage won Gold Award, Division Best, and Cost-Performance Award at the 2012 Japan Domestic Wine Competition (dry Koshu category).
About the producer
Yamato Budoshu Co., Ltd.Steward of Koryu, Japan's oldest Koshu vine at ~130 years old.甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1913Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the name "Tsugai" mean?
- Tsugai (番イ) means "pair" in Japanese — it refers to nature's gifts paired with human wisdom, grape growers paired with winemakers, and minerals paired with amino acids, all combining to create the wine; the name also celebrates the quiet, everyday happiness shared by a married couple.
- What grape is Tsugai made from?
- Tsugai is made from 100% Koshu, Japan's flagship white grape, grown in vineyards enriched with mineral-boosting shellfish powder under Yamato Budoshu's Mineral Koshu Project.
- What food pairs well with Tsugai?
- The producer recommends it with shellfish sashimi, tempura, and Japanese simmered dishes (nimono); it also works well with grilled white fish and light seafood appetizers.
- Has Tsugai won any awards?
- Yes — the 2011 vintage won the triple crown (Gold Award, Division Best, and Cost-Performance Award) in the dry Koshu category at Japan's 2012 Domestic Wine Competition.
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