Viticulture in Japan
Viticulture in Japan is an expression of deep passion and an inherent desire to unleash the country's full potential. Traditional winemaking methods blend with modern cellar technology to create a fascinating overall experience – and wines that set the highest standards of quality. This unique harmony gives Japanese wines their distinctive character: elegant, rich in nuance, and impressively finesse.
Although the grapevine arrived in Japan about 1,000 years ago, modern viticulture began there around 150 years ago. Inspired by European models, the Meiji government specifically promoted the development of a domestic wine industry. A growing interest in winemaking developed, particularly in the Yamanashi region.
A significant milestone was the founding of the Dainippon Yamanashi Budoshu winery in Katsunuma in 1877. Two young pioneers - Masanari Takano and Ryuken Tsuchiya - were sent to France to learn the savoir-faire of European winemakers and bring it to Japan.
The traditional Marufuji winery also dates back to this early pioneering period and has been cultivating fine wines with dedication and precision ever since.
Transferring European winegrowing practices to Japanese soils proved to be both ambitious and challenging. Given the unique terroir and climatic conditions, initial attempts to cultivate classic red wine grape varieties quickly reached their limits.
Japanese winemakers therefore relied on precise adaptation and innovative methods. For example, they perfected the pergola training system – a vine system that provides protection from heavy rain and creates optimal ripening conditions. The selection of robust rootstocks also enabled the successful cultivation of European varieties. The spectrum is complemented by new varieties such as Muscat Bailey A – a distinctive red wine grape with remarkable adaptability.
In the white wine segment, the native Koshu grape is considered an icon of Japanese winemaking tradition. Deeply rooted for centuries, it produces elegant, finely mineral white wines with a distinctive character.
– Hikari Koshu is one of the outstanding signature wines of the Lumière winery –
Inspired by French cellar art, a new era in Japanese viticulture began in the 1980s: thanks to success with Élevage sur lie , aging on the lees, the wines became more elegant, structured and gained depth.
A visionary generation of Japanese winemakers forged a new style – characterized by precision, purity, and the pursuit of perfection. Their goal was ambitious: to create wines that not only meet the highest standards but also compete with the most renowned European wines.
– This uncompromising dedication to perfection also characterizes our selections –
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