Everything in Japan is incomprehensible and mysterious. Also, winemaking can surprise no less than the snow-white-pink cherry blossom, the sea entrance to the Itsukushima shrine, the length of Seto Ohashi, the greatness of the sacred Mount Fuji. It should be noted that the climatic conditions in Japan are not particularly suitable for growing grapes. That is why this industry is not so developed in this country.
Japanese winemaking
Japanese winemaking, according to legend, originated in Yamanashi prefecture, Katsunuma. The vines were given to Saint Gecki in 718 by the Buddha Nerai. He planted them, carving a statue of Nerai in gratitude for such a wonderful gift. This statue is still kept in the Daizenji Temple. The pilgrims called her Budo Yakushi, which means "budo" - grapes, "yakushi" - a teacher of healing.
However, historians do not believe in the divine origin of Japanese wine. They believe that the grapes did not come to the country from heaven, but were exported from neighboring China in the 8th century. Buddhist missionaries spread the vine throughout the country without insisting on the production of winemaking. Already in 1186, a wine grape was grown near Mount Fuji, which was named Koshu. This variety is still best suited to local climatic conditions. This grape variety has a special very thick skin. And its taste is significantly different from other grown grape varieties. In fact, it is a table grape from which a fine white wine is made.
Japanese wines
According to the existing tax laws in Japan, wine can be considered "Japanese" if 5% of the grapes were grown in the country. At the same time, it must also be bottled in Japan. Wines in this category account for approximately half of the total sales volume. They call them "kokusan". This is a wine made from imported grapes. It is very rare to find wine "kokunaisan" in Japan, wine made from grapes grown in this country.
Japanese wines are the rarest in the world. Semi-dry and dry red Japanese wine is produced from local grapes. There are several classifications of wines in Japan. For example, in Nagano, Japanese wines are controlled exclusively by origin. In other regions of the country, bottles of quality wine are marked with a special distinction.
Today, you can taste the wines of Japan only in a national restaurant. Unfortunately, they are not often found on sale. It should be noted that fruit wines are also produced in Japan. It is the Japanese plum wine that is considered to be very popular and a must for tasting. Clear, fresh wines are made from quince, peach, pear and pomegranate. Berry wines are usually called "kajitsu-shu". The more popular and famous Japanese plum wine is “ume-shu”. It is often exported as a souvenir from Japan, along with sake, of course.
