岩崎 – Iwasaki
In the heart of Yamanashi, at the foot of Mount Fuji, lies Katsunuma - known as the cradle of Japanese viticulture and home of the Kōshū grape. Here, the Iwasaki Winery combines traditional viticulture with modern innovation. Inspired by Zen philosophy, they produce wines that serve as a bridge between humanity and nature - authentic, clear, and full of regional character. The winery lives up to its venerable nickname, "Honjo-san," or the sincere winemaker, with pride and humility.
白石壮真 - Soma Shiraishi
Soma Shiraishi graduated from the prestigious wine studies program at Yamanashi University. After working for a trading company specializing in wine imports, he joined Iwasaki Winery in 2019. Since 2022, he has served as Managing Director, representing a new generation of winemakers with an uncompromising commitment to quality, provenance, and craftsmanship.
Cradle of viticulture
The Iwasaki Winery is located in the picturesque Koshu Valley in Yamanashi Prefecture - Japan's most traditional wine-growing region and the eponymous birthplace of the Koshu grape. Surrounded by mountains, the vineyards here enjoy natural protection from the tropical storms that often pose challenges to viticulture elsewhere.
Handcraft
Due to the special pergola-like structure, mechanical cultivation of the vineyards is virtually impossible – a challenge that the Iwasaki winery faces with dedication. Instead, the harvest is carried out carefully by hand. Only flawless fruit makes it into the selection process – a promise of quality that is reflected in every glass.
Tokiwa-ni-moyuru Koshu 2022
This orange wine represents the origins of Katsunuma wine. The grapes are harvested late in the fall, when they have reached peak ripeness. The resulting acidity, bitterness, and alcohol content give the wine a richness that highlights the sweetness and umami of food, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
The label, designed by Juri Ando, is titled “Yoiyo” and quotes the oldest known waka that deals with the volcanism of Mount Fuji: “常盤に燃る (Tokiwani moyuru)” – a verse from the A collection of poems by Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, " Gunchorui ." These words describe the eternal glow and imperishability of Mount Fuji. They symbolize the hope that this classic koshu wine - like Mount Fuji itself - will change its form over time and from different perspectives, always remaining a source of faith and art.
The wine exudes aromas of citrus fruits, apples, persimmons, and especially tea leaves. The delicate acidity and pleasantly strong tartness give it a three-dimensional structure.
| Grape variety | Koshu |
| Overview | white, dry 12.0% vol. Drinking maturity: 2024–2033 |
| Wine | exciting & bitter ripe acidity |
| Evaluation | Weinkontor Sommer: 88/100 |
| Origin | Japan, Yamanashi |
| Allergens | Sulfites |
More information on nutritional values & ingredients
