2022 Grace Wine Koshu Cuvée Misawa Akeno Vineyard, Japan

High in the hills of Yamanashi, the Akeno Vineyard enjoys long sunshine hours, cool mountain breezes and sweeping views towards the Southern Japanese Alps. It is here that Grace Wine has helped redefine the potential of Koshu, Japan's historic native white grape. Established by the Misawa family in 1923, the winery is now celebrated for the work of winemaker Ayana Misawa, whose meticulous vineyard practices and thoughtful winemaking have earned international recognition. Cuvée Misawa is a particularly refined expression of this fascinating variety.

Pale straw gold with delicate green reflections. White peach, nashi pear and yuzu mingle with citrus blossom, green almond and a subtle flinty note. The 2022 vintage is beautifully restrained, with fine texture, lively acidity and an intriguing saline mineral character. Delicate orchard fruit and savoury complexity linger through a long, elegant finish.

Wonderful with kingfish sashimi and ponzu, grilled abalone with ginger, or delicate prawn and shiso tempura. A remarkable Japanese white for adventurous wine lovers.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032. Its fine structure and freshness should allow further savoury development.