On January 31, 2019, the Friends of Nagano wine hosted a tasting of Nagano wine with Mr. Shigeyuki Kusunoki, the winemaker of Kusunoki Winery in Suzaka, Nagano. Mr. Kusunoki studied winemaking at the University of Adelaide in Australia and his wines have been recognized in international competitions. He spoke about the challenges of grape growing and winemaking in Japan and how Nagano prefecture’s unique terroir has expanded the variety and quality of wine being made today in Japan.
Below is a list of wines served at the event:
Sauvignon Blanc and/or Semillon
Izutsu 2016 from Kikyogahara (2000 yen)
Alps Winery Musee du Vin “Etoile” 2017 from Kikyogahara (2700 yen)
Azumino Winery 2017 from Nihon Alps (2700 yen)
Kusunoki Winery Hitakihara Blend 2017 from Chikumagawa (3240 yen)
Chardonnay
Izutsu Winery 2017 from Kikyogahara (3500 yen)
Obuse Winery Clos de Cacteau 2017 from Chikumagawa (2700 yen)
Chateau Mercian Mariko Vineyard 2017 from Chikumagawa (3500 yen)
Kusunoki Winery Barrel Aged Chardonnay 2015 from Chikumagawa (4000 yen)
Blends
Kusunoki Winery Passage Rouge 2013 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) from Chikumagawa (2700 yen)
Merlot
Izutsu Barrel Aged Merlot 2016 from Kikyogahara (3500 yen)
Funky Chateau Rouge 2017 from Chikumagawa (3000 yen)
Obuse Merlot de l’Ouest 2015 from Chikumagawa (3500 yen)
Chateau Mercian Mariko Vineyard 2015 from Chikumagawa (5400 yen)
Other
Alps Winery Musee du Vin Muscat Bailey A 2016 from Kikyogahara (1500 yen)
Alps Winery Musee du Vin “Maestro” Syrah 2016 from Kikyogahara (2700 yen)
Friends of Nagano Wine 