Grapes: Muscat Bailey A
Region: Miyagi, Japan
Vintage: 2024
Viticulture: Organic
Soils: Limestone
Vinification: Whole cluster fermenetation
Aging: 9-12 months in tank
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal
Notes from the Importer: Located at the foot of Mt. Kurikoma in Miyagi Prefecture,
this winery is committed to natural winemaking methods and creates wines that utilize the characteristics of the land.
Using grapes grown healthily with reduced pesticide use in the refreshing climate of the Kurikoma foothills, which has large temperature differences and good ventilation, the winery brews its wines using methods as natural as possible.
Grape cultivation began in 2017, and winemaking has been undertaken in earnest since 2022. Currently, the winery is striving to produce higher quality wines while receiving guidance in both cultivation and winemaking.
Alex Craighead (Kinderi/New Zealand) and Haruyuki Yano (GRAPE REPUBLIC/Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture) are among the instructors, and the winery is working to further improve quality. The winery is also actively engaged in agricultural-welfare collaboration, working with local employment support facilities to jointly carry out tasks such as grape cultivation and labeling.
Yutaka Nakajima embodies the essence of a dedicated Japanese winemaker—humble, intelligent, and deeply connected to his craft. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes hands-on techniques, utilizing self-made wooden tools to create hard-to-reach wines. Nakajima’s commitment to nurturing his vineyards means working with nature rather than forcing it, resulting in wines that are true reflections of their environment.
Since his move to Tomi in 2009, Nakajima has cultivated a small slope at an altitude of 850 meters, growing primarily French grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot amid the region’s native flora. Inspired by the cooler climate reminiscent of European vineyards, he further expanded in 2019 by introducing Jura-inspired varietals, including Savagnin and Pinot Noir. Each year, Domaine Nakajima produces only a few thousand bottles.
