Japanese Wine Gaining Popularity

TOKYO - Feb 4/05 - SNS -- Dry white wine made from Koshu grapes is regaining popularity in Japan and attracting the interest of foreign markets as offerings from some wineries have started winning awards at international contests.

Koshu grapes have been grown since the Heian Period (794-185). In recent years, the grapes were only used to make dessert wines. But, interest in making dry white wines has grown as consumers find the wine is a good match with Japanese cuisine.

Katsunuma Winery Co. and Chuo Budo Co., both in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, report annual shipments of the premium priced, dry whites have risen 10% in each of the last three years.

Japanese wineries had been growing European varietals, but rising interest in the new wines points to a resurgence in production of Koshu grapes. However, the wineries are careful not to swamp markets and have limited the size of the harvest and allowed the grapes to ferment longer with their skins before pressing.