Botanical Life
Kasai, Hyogo

Grapes: Muscat Bailey A 60%, Delaware 40% (from Yamagata)
Type: Semi-sparkling
Style: Dry, light-bodied
Colour: Medium copper
Alcohol: 10%
Wild yeast: Yes
Any added sulphites: No
Filtered: No
Serving temperature: 7-10°C
Production: 2,250 bottles
Please store in a cool, dark place.

Attention!
Chill the bottle thoroughly in an upright position before opening and uncork it with the bottle at an angle. May spill at high temperatures.

Tasting notes
Aromas of pink grapefruit, blood orange, strawberry, and lily create a funky and vibrant profile. On the palate, the wine offers a sweet and tangy citrus character, complemented by red fruit notes such as plum, American cherry, and apricot. The finish brings a slight bitterness from Delaware grapes, with hints of pineapple and kiwi. Enjoy it on its own or paired with light dishes. Perfect for picnics and terrace gatherings.

Food pairing
Arugula and citrus salad, white fish carpaccio, French fries, fried chicken, prosciutto with figs, caprese, smoked cheese, charcuterie, horse mackerel ceviche, grilled chicken tender with plum and shiso, grilled young corn.

Winemaking
A multi-vintage pétillant, a blend of rosé wine made from 2022 Yamagata Muscat Bailey A and white wine made from 2023 Yamagata Delaware. The name "vin-shu plus" refers to the négociant series of the winery.  

The year 2022 in Yamagata saw an average August temperature of 24.2°C and a total monthly rainfall of 144 mm, making it a relatively wet year. The frequent rainfall reduced yields, and as a result, the grapes struggled to reach high sugar levels while retaining high acidity. In contrast, 2023 was an exceptionally hot and dry year, with an average August temperature of 27.4°C and less than 100 mm of rainfall. The rapid ripening led to high sugar levels and low acidity, making it one of the most distinctive vintages in recent history.  

For the winemaking process, the 2022 Muscat Bailey A grapes were hand-destemmed and fermented with wild yeast in a fiberglass tank. After about two weeks of maceration, the wine was pressed and stored in the tank for an entire year until the next vintage, at which point it was racked. Meanwhile, the 2023 Delaware grapes were pressed with whole bunches, and only the juice was fermented. The two wines were then blended and bottled.  

After bottling, the wine retained residual sugar for some time, so it was patiently aged before release. Over time, the balance between bubbles, acidity, and fruitiness improved. The final wine exhibits not only the fresh effervescence but also nuances of oxidative aging and umami, surpassing the winemaker Junpei Fukunaga’s initial expectations.  

Nutrition Facts per 100ml
Energy: 73 kcal
Fat: 0 g
 - Saturates: 0 g
Carbohydrate: 1.5 g
 - Sugar: 1.5 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Salt: 0g