"We used to say koshu was not good for wine, or for eating -- that it had no taste, no flavour, no colour," Takayuki Tamura of Chateau Mercian, one of Yamanashi's largest wine producers, told AFP. In 2021, two koshu vintages from the region's wineries won the second-place platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the world's largest wine competition. Japan's wine industry can grow a niche appeal by focusing on its unique tastes and how well the wine accompanies Japanese or fusion food, he said. Photo: Richard A. Brooks / AFPSource: AFPAnzo from Chateau Mercian, which is owned by drinks giant Kirin and picked up a gold medal for a koshu wine at the 2021 International Wine Challenge, is on the same wavelength. "Many overseas consumers are interested in Japanese culture and cuisine, which is a good thing for Japanese wine."

Source: Daily Nation October 17, 2022 03:10 UTC