Grape Republic Bianco 2023

Country: Japan

Region: Yamagata

Type: White Wine

Grape: Delaware 70%, Niagara, Stueben, Siebel 9110

Founded in 2017 by restaurateur and sommelier Kazuomi Fujimaki alongside Takayuki Taira, Grape Republic has rapidly risen to become natural wine leaders in Japan. Based in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, the winery was born out of a desire to revitalize neglected farmland and support the aging generation of local farmers. Grape Republic operates on a philosophy they characterized as a freestyle approach to viticulture, practicing organic farming with zero chemical inputs and rejecting any added sulfites, commercial yeasts, or sugar. They focus on using indigenous Japanese table grapes and hybrids, such as Delaware, Steuben, and Niagara and vinifying them using a combination of stainless steel and clay amphorae. Their entire portfolio is made up of low-alcohol, energetic wines that taste alive.

Aromas of fresh mandarin oranges and pears. Fresh on the palate, with well-balanced acidity and an umami-like finish reminiscent of unfiltered sake, that ends on a clean, dry note.