Aizawa Nouen
Obihiro, Hokkaido

Grapes: Yamasachi 97%, Kiyomai 3%
Type: Rosé
Style: Dry, light-bodied
Colour: Pale garnet
Alcohol: 11.0%
Wild yeast: Yes
Any added sulphites: 20 ppm 
Filtered: No
Serving temperature: 5-8°C
Production: 657 bottles
Please store in a cool, dark place.

Tasting notes
Aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and plum lead, with a gentle hint of strawberry milk sweetness. Subtle green notes reminiscent of young branches and a touch of gyokuro add complexity. Further layers of cranberry, redcurrant, rosehip, red shiso, thyme, wet stone and a faint yoghurt nuance give depth. On the palate, it is fresh and vibrant, showing flavours of plum, cranberry, redcurrant, pomegranate and plum-like notes, framed by balanced acidity. The tannins are light, and herbal nuances carry through to a long finish. Best enjoyed well chilled for a clean, refreshing expression. It is best enjoyed within two days of opening.

Food pairing
Chicken tenderloin with ume and shiso, seared bonito (katsuo no tataki), chilled tomato with dashi, grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, larb gai, fresh spring rolls, bánh xèo.

Winemaking
Since the earliest days of GUBI GUBI, Aizawa Nouen has been bringing us unique, high-quality wines from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost region. Alongside the familiar “Ryunosuke” and “A-danza Frizzante”, the 2024 vintage also welcomes a brand-new rosé cuvée: “163”, made primarily from Yamasachi—an international variety registered with the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine)—with a small addition of Kiyomai.

2024 was an excellent vintage, with stable weather from budbreak through to harvest, resulting in grapes of outstanding quality. Pesticide-free Yamasachi and Kiyomai grapes underwent 16 days of whole-bunch carbonic maceration, before being pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks with wild yeasts. The wine was then matured for five months in old barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only a tiny amount of antioxidant (SO₂) was added at bottling.

Yamasachi is a uniquely Japanese grape variety, developed by crossing Yamabudo, a native wild grape, with Kiyomi—a Japanese variety originally bred from the French grape Seibel 13053. This groundbreaking hybrid offers exceptional cold resistance, able to thrive even in regions where temperatures fall below -30°C, while also delivering generous aromatics and depth of flavour.

The name “163” comes from the first name of Aizawa Nouen’s owner and winemaker, Ichiro, and is read as “Ichiro-san” in Japanese. In Japanese, the number 1 is read ichi, 6 is roku, and 3 is san—together forming ichi-ro-san.

Nutrition Facts per 100ml
Energy: 77 kcal
Fat: 0 g
 - Saturates: 0 g
Carbohydrate: 4.0 g
 - Sugar: 4.0 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Salt: 0g