Domaine Tetta "Aki Queen" Okayama, Japan 2023

FROM NIPPON NATURALS:

THE WINE: Aki Queen 95%, Queen Nina 5%, Others >1%. The scent is large, with sweet and refreshing scents of passion fruit, acerola, shikwasa, and kabosu. It has a slightly sweet taste and is characterized by strong acidity. In the aftertaste, the fruit flavor and umami slowly continue along with the acidity. By utilizing the power of microorganisms to produce volatile acids, we compensate for the weak acids inherent in table grapes. You can also feel the gorgeousness of ethyl acetate in the scent.

THE PRODUCER: Domaine Tetta Winery, located in Niimi, Okayama, is named after the town of Tetta, expressing Mr. Ryuta Takahashi’s desire to rejuvenate local land. Starting in 2009 with a 2-hectare plot, Mr. Takahashi transitioned from construction to agriculture, eventually expanding to 8 hectares of grape cultivation by 2019. Mr. Yoshiya Kanno, the current head of viticulture and winemaking, joined in 2018, bringing his passion for winemaking from Burgundy, France.

The vineyards benefit from Niimi’s natural resources, situated on limestone soil with well-drained slopes and cooled by valley winds. They cultivate over 30 grape varieties, focusing on Muscat Bailey A, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and others for experimentation. With a commitment to sustainable practices, they use rain-shelter cultivation and minimal pesticides. Winemaking emphasizes grape quality, with selective harvesting and fermentation using wild yeasts. The winery employs gravity flow for gentle handling, minimizing oxidation and sulphites. Maturation occurs in limestone mining tunnels, ensuring optimal conditions for long-term storage. Their symbol, the panda, reflects their commitment to nature and conservation, found originally on the vineyard grounds. With their wines gaining recognition, particularly in North America since 2021, they aspire to share their unique wines globally.