Crafted primarily from Japan's native grape variety, Koshu, Ashicoco has been produced with passion each year since 1984.
A distinguished red wine primarily made from Zweigelt, "Kaze no Rouge" showcases grapes from Fujisawa Farm and emerging growers in Yoichi, Hokkaido, blended with Pinot Noir.
To preserve the unique qualities of these grapes, the wine undergoes fermentation with wild yeast and is carefully aged in barrels.
The Zweigelt varietal, introduced to Hokkaido from a Vienna monastery in the 1970s, is now a representative red wine of the region. This wine reflects the cool climate with its youthful fruitiness, fresh acidity, and balanced tannins, capturing the essence of Hokkaido’s terroir.
Fermenation
This exquisite wine is crafted from carefully selected, ripe grapes from Fujisawa Farm. The grapes undergo a meticulous de-stemming process, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures, utilizing wild yeast. The wine is gently monitored to ensure balanced tannin extraction through careful racking, lasting about 2 to 3 weeks.
Once the fermentation achieves the desired complexity, the wine is pressed and transferred to oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation occurs through the influence of wild lactic bacteria. The aging process spans approximately 12 to 13 months in both oak barrels and tanks.
For our wine from the Konishi Vineyard, the grapes are fermented and pressed at 10R Winery in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido. In early summer, the wine is moved to oak barrels for an additional four months of maturation in Ashikaga.
Aging
Aged for approximately four months in stainless steel tanks, followed by racking, blending, and filtration.
Bottling
The number of bottles: 14,531(750ml)/ Bottled on: 22nd & 23rd December 2022
Tasting Notes
Presents a deep garnet hue, with an aromatic profile featuring notes of blueberry and dark cherry, complemented by hints of tomato, black pepper, leather, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it offers fresh fruit flavors and vibrant acidity, leading to a lingering finish marked by soft, spicy tannins.
Aging Potential
From 2024 to 2027, expect vibrant, fresh fruit flavors. Starting in 2028, the wine will develop greater harmony and sophistication, with enhanced richness and depth.
「風のルージュ」はツヴァイゲルト種主体の赤ワインです。「2021風のルージュ」は北海道余市の藤澤農 園や若い葡萄栽培農家の畑で育ったツヴァイゲルト種を中心にピノ・ノワール種などから構成されて います。醸造場ではこの葡萄の良さを生かすため、野生酵母で醗酵させ慎重に樽で熟成させました。 ちなみに2008年北海道洞爺湖サミットで採用された「2006風のルージュ」について外務省ホームペ ージには次のように記されています。「1970年代、ウイーン郊外の修道院から北海道にツヴァイゲルト の苗がもたらされたが、その苗が徐々に広がって今ではこの品種のワインが北海道を代表する赤ワイ ンとなりつつある。冷涼な気候を反映した若々しく豊かな果実味とフレッシュな酸と程よい渋味・・・」 北海道に育ったツヴァイゲルト種のワインの魅力をお伝えできれば幸いです。