The Essence of Japan: Nick Rowan’s Guide paired with two award winning wines

Literature and Terroir in Dialogue – Nick Rowan & Signature Wines

This ensemble pairs the current standard reference work in specialist literature with two distinctive terroir wines. The selection is delivered in a simple two-bottle wooden box.

The book: “Japanese Wine” by Nick Rowan 

Nick Rowan’s monograph provides a scholarly exploration of Japanese viticulture across more than 500 pages. The author analyses geology, climate, and the stylistic profiles of over 720 producers.

Status The only English-language reference at this level of detail. 
Content Analyses of 130 grape varieties as well as detailed cartographic work.

The selection: Two singular icons of Japanese wine culture

This set combines the mineral elegance of historic Yamanashi with the precise structure of a Merlot matured in Japan’s cooler north.

2022 Hikari Koshu – Winery Lumière, Yamanashi

A single-varietal Koshu, carefully fermented in French oak barriques and then matured for over 20 months. On the nose, aromas of quince, apricot, and fine vanilla unfold. On the palate, ripe fruit, gentle acidity, and subtle oak influence come together in harmony. Full-bodied, smooth, and with fine depth.

White wine | Dry | Grape variety: Koshu | 11.5% vol. | Yamanashi | Japan | Ageing potential ~ 2032 | Serving temperature 10–12°C | Matured 24 months in French oak barriques | Kura Master Paris 2025 Gold | 750 ml

2020 L’Ogre Bleu – Winery Takahata, Yamagata

Rich aromas of fruit such as blackberries and ripe plums are underscored by notes of red roses, coffee, toast, and vanilla. Concentrated dark fruit unfolds on the palate in harmony with Merlot’s characteristic silky tannins, supported by an elegant acidity that lends the wine power and length.

Red wine | Dry | Grape variety: Merlot | 14.0% vol. | Yamagata | Japan | Ageing potential ~ 2043 | Serving temperature 16–18°C | Matured 24 months in French oak barriques | 750 ml