At first glance, the name Kayagatake Koshu suggests a single-vineyard bottling, but that is not the case. In fact, it sits below the flagship Grace Koshu in price.
The winery explains:
The grapes are sourced from vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Kayagatake, including estate-managed parcels, at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 meters. Named after the mountain where Kyūya Fukada, author of “One Hundred Mountains of Japan,” spent his final days, this wine reflects the philosophy imparted by the late Professor Denis Dubourdieu of Bordeaux: a clean, pure expression of Koshu that relies neither on sur lie nor oak. This encounter marked a turning point for Grace Wine, leading to a style that is both refreshing and poised, yet delicate.
The labeling can be a little confusing, especially since the Grace Koshu range also features genuine single-vineyard expressions such as Hishiyama and Toriibira.
In the glass, the wine shows a pale lemon hue with a faint green glimmer. The nose evokes small citrus fruits, green apple, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it is light-bodied and dry, with crisp acidity lending a graceful lift to the finish. While it lacks the assertive aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner, its restrained style makes it an excellent partner for the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Despite concerns about possible heat damage from transport in midsummer, the wine showed no obvious flaws when tasted on its own. A comparative tasting might reveal subtler differences, but as it stands, the wine is fresh, precise, and enjoyable. I also picked up the standard Grace Koshu and the single-vineyard Grace Koshu Hishiyama, which I look forward to opening in the near future.