2020 Fattoria Al Fiore Cirol

VARIETAL: Chardonnay, Delaware, Red Millennium, Shine Muscat
REGION: Miyagi, JP
VITICULTURE: Organic
WINEMAKER: Hirotaka & Reina Meguro

Red Millennium and Shine Muscat are simultaneously pressed after 12 days of skins contact and left for 1 month in amphora on lees. The Chardonnay is pressed after 8 days skin contact and then barrel fermented for 1 month. After all fermentation, assemblage and then aged in stainless steel tank for 3 months. A delicate mandarin / herbaceous scent followed by a beautiful floral and stone fruit nuances. Superb. (Red Millennium is a rare aromatic labrusca grape from Japan).

Nestled at the foot of the Zao Federation mountain range in Kawasaki Town, Miyagi is Fattoria al Fiore, a winery that sits housed within a former school gymnasium. Established in 2015 by Hirotaka and Reina Meguro, the old basketball court now plays home to a sea of amphora filled with the likes of Koshu, Delaware, and Muscat A Baily. Al Fiore meaning ‘single flower’ in Japanese is named after Hirotaka’s former restaurant. The winery is operated by Hirotaka and his wife Reina supported by a small team who produce around 15,000 bottles per year.

Their wines are made up of both vinifera and labrusca grapes, commonly known as hybrid / table grapes. Varieties include Delaware, Steuben, and Niagara which bring an alluring perfume of ripe fruits and flowers unlike no other. They are extremely delicate wines, matching perfectly with the subtle flavours of Japanese cuisine.