Description
Rising Star in Hokkaido – HIRAKAWA Atsuo
Hirakawa Winery founded in 2015, is located in Yoichi on the Japan’s Sea coastline on Hokkaido island. The 5 hectares vineyard features a beautiful hill on south exposure followed by a mix between mild humidity sea climate and fresh dry mountain climate. These lands host delicious fruits for more than 60 years, affirming therefore the expected quality for the future. The winery itself is surrounded by the vineyard. Most of the growing surface is dedicated for white grape varieties such as Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer, and also produce few red grapes like Rondo and Pinot Noir.
HIRAKAWA Atsuo is the estate owner and features a strong experience acquired in France and abroad for more than a decade. Mr. Hirakawa is sommelier, agricultural engineer and oenologist. These three graduations serve him to widely understand the wine industry and market, from the vine growing to the food and wine pairing in starred restaurants where he used to work previously. As winemaker he worked in some prestigious terroirs such as Margaux, Puligny-Montrachet, Chinon… as well in South Africa, New-Zealand and Japan. As a skilled wine connoisseur and enthusiast he hopes to lead his estate on the difficult path of quality and refinement.
All Grape Varieties Undisclosed, Reflecting the Terrior of Yoichi
Dark color, luscious aromas of ripe black cherries, cassis, mulberries, prunes, and stewed strawberries, intermixed with nuances of chocolate, cocoa, mint, sweet spicies, nutmeg, black pepper, licorice, and the damp air of an autumn forest.
The mouthfeel is smooth and fresh with a crisp acidity. The body is gentler than usual, but the flavors are rich and delicious, yet smart and precise, with the potential to age for 5-10 years. A glass or two is not enough; this is a red wine that will leave you wanting more. It has good content of acidity that stimulates you to enjoy it with food.
Data
| Variety (Cultivar) | 100% grapes grown in Yoichi Town |
|---|---|
| Winery | Hirakawa Winery |
| Origin | Yoichi Town, Hokkaido |
Pairings
- Poultry (duck, quail, pigeon)
- Deer, Wild Boar, Bear
- Apple Compote
