Japanese wine, which is produced domestically using 100% grapes grown in Japan, has undergone remarkable evolution and is attracting attention from around the world. As ``Japanese wine'' begins to awaken and undergo a paradigm shift, three wine authorities will carefully select and introduce 3 bottles that you should experience now.

Japanese wine selected by wine expert Dai Wada x Tainai Kogen Winery Van Petillan

There was once a time when local governments all worked together to establish wineries. However, there are only a few public wineries that produce wine that can be enjoyed by wine lovers. Among them, Tainai Kogen Winery is an outstanding winery.

This winery is owned by Tainai City in the northernmost part of Niigata Prefecture, and surprisingly, it is a domaine-type winery that owns the entire 6.5 hectare field. What's even more surprising is that almost all of their fields are managed using organic or similar cultivation methods.

Sparkling wine is taking the world by storm. However, the coolest among them is not Champagne or Prosecco, but a slightly sparkling wine made using a natural method, ``Petillant Natural.'' The gentle texture of bubbles, fresh fruit, and flavor of the lees attract young people who don't hold back, and it has gained enthusiastic support. PET-NAT may look simple and simple at first glance, but in reality, brewing it is far from easy. It is also a style that tests the skill and sense of the producer, as if it is poorly made, brewing defects cannot be controlled, resulting in unpleasant odors and an imbalance between carbonic acid and residual sugar.

This ``Vampetillan'' is a vin nature with no sulfites added. By deliberately performing secondary fermentation in the bottle, we avoid the risks of brewing while achieving an exquisite balance of acidity, umami, and sweetness. This is a wine full of taste that makes it hard to believe that it is produced by a municipal winery. The creamy bubbles beautifully envelop the fresh fruit flavor, like freshly squeezed juice, and the gentle umami pleasantly moistens your throat. In the upcoming season, I want to chill it well and relax outdoors while drinking it.

Tainai Plateau Winery Van Petillan

Maker: Tainai Kogen Winery
Variety: Chardonnay
Features: Secondary fermentation in the bottle, no filtration. It is currently difficult to obtain, so I would like to wait for its release this year.
Price: 2,700 yen (tax included/according to editorial department)
https://www.gourmet-tainai.jp/wine/

Masaru Wada
Wine expert.After graduating from the University of Tokyo, worked at a consulting company and then ran an IT company. He started attending a wine school so he could order wine at restaurants, became immersed in wine, and passed the wine expert exam. After that, he distinguished himself by winning the 6th All Japan J.S.A Wine Expert Competition. Currently, in addition to running the company, he also teaches at a wine school.