Grape Republic Bianco 2023

Pioneering low-intervention winemaking in Nanyo City, Yamagata, Grape Republic delivers a delightfully playful, natural white blend that showcases northeast Japan’s signature hybrid grape varieties. Grown using organic farming practices, this 2023 vintage combines 70% Delaware with 10% each of Niagara, Steuben, and Siebel 9110. The fruit undergoes a thoughtful mix of direct pressing, short 48-hour skin contact, and a 6-day skin fermentation before aging in stainless steel. Spontaneously fermented with wild yeasts and bottled completely raw—unfined, unfiltered, and free of added sulfites or additives—it captures a vibrant, pure snapshot of Yamagata’s cool-climate fruit.

The nose is delightfully aromatic, bursting with fresh mandarin oranges, crisp pears, and a touch of fruit-candy sweetness inherent to the hybrid grapes. On the palate, it is crisp, energetic, and dry, balancing lively citrus acidity with a savory, texturally intriguing umami note on the finish reminiscent of unfiltered draft sake. Crisp, refreshing, and endlessly fun, it is an ideal pour for natural wine enthusiasts and pairs brilliantly with sushi, vegetable tempura, or spicy izakaya bites.

• Producer: Grape Republic
• Region: Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
• Variety: Delaware, Niagara, Siebel 9110, Steuben
• Alcohol: 12%