Grace Winery Akeno 2022

Region and Vineyards

Grace Winery's Akeno vineyard is located in the Akeno district of Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture, on the northwestern flank of the Yatsugatake Mountains, which form part of the southern Japanese Alps. The site sits at elevations of 700 to 800 metres, making it one of the highest vineyard zones in Japan. These conditions result in marked diurnal temperature variation, an essential factor in retaining acidity and aromatic freshness while allowing slow phenolic ripening.

The soils here are derived from volcanic ash, well-draining and relatively infertile, which naturally limits yields and enhances grape concentration. The vineyard benefits from superior sun exposure—the Akeno district is noted for having among the highest sunshine hours in Japan—which is crucial for ripening Bordeaux varietals in Japan's temperate and often rainy climate. Grace Winery applies sustainable viticulture, including manual canopy management and crop thinning to enhance ripeness and aromatic clarity. The altitude and careful farming produce wines with vivid aromatics, supple structure, and notable finesse.

Winemaking

Grace Akeno 2022 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, though exact proportions are not disclosed. Grapes were harvested from Grace's own Akeno Vineyard and fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control to preserve primary fruit character and freshness.

Following fermentation, the wine was matured in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. Aging lasted for approximately 18 months, with regular bâtonnage and careful monitoring to integrate tannins and elevate complexity without overshadowing the wine's delicate aromatic profile. Oak is used judiciously, not as a stylistic imposition, but as a frame, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir expression to shine. Bottling was done without fining and with minimal filtration, reflecting the estate's commitment to expressing the vintage and site.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with violet hues, moderate density and clarity.
• Aroma: Lively and pure with lifted notes of blackcurrant, red plum, graphite, and crushed violet, layered with hints of cedar, sage, and subtle vanilla from French oak.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and finely structured, offering silky tannins, balanced acidity, and flavors of red cherry, cassis, and black tea. The finish is long and mineral-tinged, with precise oak integration and a saline freshness.

Did you know?

The name "Akeno" reflects the winery's philosophy of cherishing its origins. Introduced in 2017, it brings together Grace Winery's second-label varietals into a single blend that embodies the Misawa Vineyard's character. It is often described as a "wine with a view," a tribute both to its scenic terroir and its contemplative style.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled wagyu beef with sansho pepper: The wine's structure and acidity balance the richness of the beef while enhancing umami.
• Roasted duck breast with plum sauce: Red fruit notes echo the sauce, and the supple tannins align beautifully with the texture of the meat.
• Miso-glazed eggplant (nasu dengaku): The savory-sweet interplay is elevated by the wine's minerality and freshness.
• Beef tataki with ponzu and shiso: The bright acidity and herbal nuance of Akeno complement the delicately seared beef and citrus-laced sauce.

History of Grace Winery Estate

Grace Winery was founded in 1923 by Chotaro Misawa in the Katsunuma province of Yamanashi Prefecture, the birthplace of the Japanese wine industry. The winery has always been committed to the belief that great wine is made in the vineyard. This philosophy led them to be the first in Japan to research and introduce European training and pruning methods such as long cordon training and Vertical Shoot Positioning in 1990.

The estate's commitment to innovation and quality continued over the decades. In 1959, the brand "Grace" was created by the third generation of the Misawa family, and by 1961, the winery had become a supplier to the French Navy. Significant advancements were made in the 1990s, with the winery adopting modern viticultural techniques to enhance the quality of their wines. In 1997, Grace Winery's "Koshu Taru Chozou 1997" won the trophy for the best Japanese wine at the International Wine Challenge in Japan.

In 2010, the Koshu grape was officially recognized by the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) and classified among the list of Vitis Vinifera, marking a significant milestone for the winery and Japanese wine industry as a whole.

Meet the winemaker: Ayana Misawa

The current winemaker at Grace Winery, Ayana Misawa, is renowned for her dedication to capturing the essence of the Koshu grape and the unique terroir of Yamanashi. Ayana Misawa studied winemaking in France and gained international experience at renowned wineries such as Mountford in New Zealand, Errazuriz in Chile, and Cape Point in South Africa. This extensive training abroad has greatly influenced her winemaking approach.

Ayana is one of the few female winemakers in Japan and brings a fresh, innovative perspective to the family winery. While respecting traditional practices, she has introduced contemporary winemaking techniques to enhance the quality and global appeal of Grace wines. Ayana's commitment to sustainable viticulture and her passion for expressing the true character of the Koshu grape have been instrumental in elevating Grace Winery's reputation on the global stage.

In an interview with Jeannie Cho Lee, Ayana shared her vision of producing more serious Koshu wines with aging potential, utilizing techniques such as sur-lie and barrel aging. She also emphasizes the importance of clonal selection for Koshu and has shown interest in expanding Grace Winery's red wine offerings, particularly focusing on Cabernet Franc grown at high altitudes with unique characteristics.

Region and Vineyards

Grace Winery's vineyards are located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, particularly in the Katsunuma area, known for its ideal viticultural conditions. The vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 meters above sea level, providing a cool climate with abundant sunshine, perfect for the slow maturation of grapes.

The soil composition in this region is diverse, including volcanic soils with good drainage and alluvial fans, which are ideal for viticulture. The winery also employs sustainable and organic farming practices to maintain the health and vitality of the vineyards. The use of modern vine training techniques, such as long cordon training, helps in controlling yields and concentrating the flavors and sugars in the grapes, balancing the naturally high acidity of the Koshu grape.

Grace Winery's vineyards are divided into several key districts:

• Katsunuma: The birthplace of Japan's wine industry, characterized by high mountains and a continental climate with distinct seasons. The hilly areas of Toriihira and Hishiyama produce grapes with great concentration of flavors​​.

• Hishiyama District: The highest viticultural area in Katsunuma, situated between 500 and 600 meters above sea level, known for its complex topography and high-quality white wine grapes​​.

• Toriibira District: A small area on the south-western slopes of Mount Kashio at an altitude of around 450 meters, producing grapes with remarkably concentrated flavors​​.

• Akeno (Misawa Vineyard): Located at 700 meters above sea level, enjoying the longest sunshine hours in Japan, resulting in an exceptional balance between structured acidity and concentrated fruit​​.

Wine Range

Grace Winery produces a variety of wines, with a particular focus on the Koshu grape, Japan's most important indigenous variety. The winery's portfolio includes:

• Grace Koshu: A light, floral wine with fresh acidity and mineral undertones.
• Grace Koshu Kayagatake: Noted for its elegant expression of melon, nashi pear, and hints of fennel and white pepper.
• Hishiyama Vineyard Private Reserve Koshu: A complex wine with layered aromas of lemon, lime, acacia, coriander, and cumin, finishing with a fresh, mineral note.

The winery also produces red wines from international grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, showcasing their versatility and commitment to quality across different styles of wine.