About Yuai-kai Chardonnay
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Chardonnay
- Price Range
- ¥2,500-3,500
- estimate, based on sibling wines in the same lineup
Grown in the Koana district of Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture, this 100% Chardonnay is one of the flagship wines of Yuai-kai Winery's 'Voyage de YUUAI' label. The vineyard was developed starting in 2018 on land borrowed from a retired local grower, and has been tended ever since by Yuai-kai's staff and members with disabilities, with support from neighbors in the community. The wine is barrel-aged for approximately six months, developing notes of ripe fruit, nuts, and a subtle cinnamon-like spice, balanced by pleasant acidity and rounded fruit flavor in a well-structured dry white wine.
A barrel-aged Chardonnay grown and tended entirely by hands reclaiming idle farmland since 2018 — its balance of oak spice and bright fruit stands on its own merits, story aside.
New to wine?
A great introduction to barrel-aged Japanese Chardonnay — approachable yet layered, with a meaningful backstory.
Food Pairings
The oak-derived richness and subtle spice pair beautifully with grilled white fish, roast chicken, cream-based pasta, and soft cheeses.
When to drink it
Special dinners, thoughtful gifts, and moments celebrating community and craftsmanship.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% estate-grown Chardonnay from the Koana vineyard in Kaminoyama, Yamagata, first planted in 2018 on previously idle farmland. Aged in oak barrels for approximately six months, developing notes of ripe fruit, nuts, and spice.
About the producer
Yuai-kai WineryEmpowering social inclusion through authentic Yamagata terroir.上山市, 山形県 · Founded 2024Visit the producer page →More wines from Yuai-kai Winery
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Yuai-kai Chardonnay taste like?
- A dry white wine with notes of ripe fruit, nuts, and a subtle cinnamon-like spice from about six months of oak aging, balanced by pleasant acidity.
- Where are the grapes grown?
- 100% of the Chardonnay is grown at Yuai-kai's own vineyard in the Koana district of Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture, developed since 2018 on land borrowed from a retired local grower.
- Who grows and makes this wine?
- The grapes are cultivated by staff and members with disabilities of the social welfare corporation Yuai-kai, with support from the local community, from cultivation through to bottling.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Its oak-derived richness pairs well with grilled white fish, roast chicken, cream-based pasta, soft cheeses, and delicate Japanese dishes like tempura.
Want to know more about this wine?
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