GM Wine

About this wine

GM Wine — short for "Golden Mountain" (ゴールデンマウンテン) — is a semi-sparkling natural wine by Yellow Magic Winery crafted from three fruits native to the Golden Mountain area in northern Nanyo City, Yamagata: Fuji apples, La France pears, and Delaware grapes. Born as part of a regional revitalization project to spotlight this agricultural zone where orchards and vineyards coexist, each fruit is slow-fermented at low temperature to preserve its individual character. La France contributes elegant floral aromas on the nose, Fuji apple delivers juicy depth in the mid-palate, and Delaware brings a clean, refreshing acidity to the finish. At around 8–9% abv, unfiltered and additive-free, this wine sits beautifully between cider and wine — one of Japan's most enchanting co-fermentations.

Sommelier's Note

"La France on the nose, Fuji apple in the heart, Delaware on the finish: this is the definitive expression of Nanyo's three-fruit harvest — Japan's most enchanting co-fermented sparkling."

Food Pairings

Its light body, balanced fruit sweetness, and vivid acidity make it a natural aperitif and a versatile food companion. Pairs excellently with white fish sashimi (tai, hirame), mountain vegetable tempura (sansai), chilled tofu with dashi, pork shabu-shabu with ponzu, and light vinegared dishes (sunomono). The La France pear aroma bridges beautifully with mild soft cheeses and fruit-based desserts.

When to drink it

Summer picnics, aperitif before Japanese cuisine dinners, fruit wine enthusiast gift, outdoor gatherings

Specs

Grape Varieties

Delaware, Fuji Apple, La France Pear

Style

Sparkling

Price Range

¥3,000–4,500

Terroir & Winemaking

Co-fermentation of three fruits from Nanyo City, Yamagata: Fuji apples, La France pears, and Delaware grapes. Each fruit is slow-fermented at low temperatures separately to preserve individual characteristics, then blended. Wild yeast only, no additives, no sulfite additions, unfiltered (nigori style). Alcohol approximately 8–9% abv. CO2 level sits between frizzante and spumante (pétillant naturel style).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "GM" stand for in GM Wine?

"GM" stands for "Golden Mountain" (ゴールデンマウンテン), a regional revitalization project in the northern part of Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, where La France pears, Fuji apples, and Delaware grapes are all cultivated together. The wine was created to champion this agricultural zone.

Is GM Wine a wine or a cider?

GM Wine is neither exclusively — it is a co-fermentation of Fuji apples, La France pears, and Delaware grapes. It hovers beautifully between cider and wine, which is precisely what makes it so unique. Technically it is classified as a sparkling natural wine.

What does GM Wine taste like?

Expect a pale, gently sparkling pour with elegant La France pear aromas on the nose, juicy Fuji apple depth in the mid-palate, and Delaware grape's clean, refreshing acidity on the finish. Light-bodied at around 8–9% abv, with medium sweetness and acidity in balance.

Is GM Wine sweet or dry?

GM Wine is off-dry — not bone dry, not sweet. The natural fruit sweetness is balanced by Delaware's bright acidity, making it approachable for all palates, including those who don't usually drink wine.

When is the best time to drink GM Wine?

Best enjoyed well-chilled (8–10°C) within 2–3 years of the vintage to appreciate its fresh fruit character. It is at its most vibrant when young, and makes a perfect summer aperitif or a refreshing partner to light Japanese cuisine.