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yAppellationz Niitsuru Village, Fukushima Prefecture and Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture (Chardonnay), Yamanashi Prefecture (Koshu)
yVarietyz Chardonnay 72% (36% in Fukushima Prefecture and 36% in Nagano Prefecture), Koshu 28%
yHarvestz September-October
yFermentationz 14-16 days, 18-20Ž
yAgingz in small and medium-sized barrels, some in stainless steel tanks
yAlcohol Contentz 13.1%
yTotal Acidityz 5.4g/L
yResidual Sugarz 2.0g/L or less

yVintagez
(Niitsuru)
Rainfall was below average since the beginning of the rainy season, followed by a summertime hot spell, which hit a record level of 25 days on which the temperature went above 35C. The Chardonnay grapes had little damage, with the sugar level of above 21o, allowing us to harvest perfectly healthy fruits with higher maturity than in the past.
(Nagano)
It was hot and sunny with little rain throughout the summertime, and temperatures were kept high in September, causing the grapes to grow favorably. Because the autumn rain, which we had feared, was very scarce during the harvest season; and the fine weather prevented the grapes from becoming diseased; we picked very healthy, well matured grapes.
(Yamanashi)
Because rainfall was below average, the grapes got a lot of sunlight and grew satisfactorily. Sunny weather wrapped up the harvest, causing little disease to the grapes, so we harvested high quality grapes.

yTasting Commentsz
The aroma is very refreshing, with a clean and charming nuance of melon or lemon-flavored candy. A round fruitiness on the palate, soon enlivened by a crisp yet soft acidity and velvety feel in the mouth, coming together in a harmonious balance. A pleasant juiciness which freshens up the aftertaste with a fresh lime flavor, lingers on the finish. This refreshingly flavored wine provides a pure flavor of the grapes, and is an ideal partner for the outdoors, inspiring us to enjoy it by cooking freshly caught fish at the riverside or seaside in the early summer evenings. (Comment on June 2004)