If you've read any articles on Japanese sparkling wine, you've likely encountered the name “Ajimu.” In recent years, Ajimu’s sparkling wines have dominated major wine competitions in Japan. At the 2016 Japan-Russia summit, Ajimu sparkling white wine was chosen by the Japanese side for the official toast between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Putin—a true mark of its quality.

Ajimu Winery is located in the Ajimu Basin, Oita, Kyushu. The area’s large temperature variations, frequent fog, and cool climate make it one of the few suitable grape-growing regions in Kyushu. The vineyard covers about 4 hectares and yields 160 tons of grapes annually, specializing in sparkling wines made with the traditional bottle fermentation method.

“Bottle fermentation” means yeast and sugar syrup are added to base wine in each bottle, with the resulting carbon dioxide forming the natural bubbles in the wine. Though labor-intensive, this process yields smooth, refined bubbles, typically reserved for top-tier sparkling wines like Champagne.

This particular release is made from Merlot and aged three years in the bottle. On the nose, it shows aromas of red berries, strawberries, and toasted bread. The palate is dry, with pronounced fruit flavors and excellent balance. The bubbles are delicate and refined. Official pairing recommendations include Japanese dishes such as grilled eel