Over a year ago, we introduced this rosé made from the “King of Grapes”—Kyoho. Everyone who tried it loved it, but with only 2,000 bottles produced, it sold out quickly and restocks were hard to come by. Upon hearing the 2021 release was available, we immediately brought it in!

Although Kyoho grapes are delicious and juicy, their high water and low sugar content makes them challenging for winemaking. To solve this, Hosaka Winery in Nagano developed a unique “frozen juice” technique: fresh Kyoho grapes are juiced and stored in stainless steel tanks at -3°C for a month. Water in the juice freezes into ice, while the unfrozen part, rich in flavor, is extracted for fermentation—creating this exceptional wine.

Let’s taste it! The aroma bursts with sweet-tart grape and strawberry notes. The palate is smooth and rounded with very little alcohol sensation. Sweet Kyoho grape flavors glide down the throat, leaving a signature lingering sweetness and a hint of tartness—the aftertaste is exactly like enjoying fresh Kyoho grapes. It’s irresistibly delicious.

Compared to the 2017 version, the 2021 vintage is fuller-bodied, with the concentrated Kyoho flavors appearing mid-palate to finish. The sweetness is lower, making it easy to finish a bottle with no heaviness—a perfect, guilt-free indulgence for relaxed moments.