Japanese Koshu Grapes: What Are They & What Makes Them So Unique?

Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Japanese Grapes

[{"selector":"#anim-abedb057-ea54-4a21-95b3-7366c0e2b4d9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(16.266782315024606%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Koshu grapes are indigenous to Japan, having been cultivated there for over a thousand years. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Their Appearance

[{"selector":"#anim-0dd5eabe-ae90-4ade-a355-2dccce1c5451 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] They have a distinctive pale pink colour, setting them apart from most other wine grape varieties. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Its Texture

[{"selector":"#anim-d60ba6e8-ca37-4a60-9c52-7f97b8064b23 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(12.16216221601587%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Koshu grapes possess a thick skin, which helps them withstand Japan's humid climate. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

How Do They Taste?

[{"selector":"#anim-ddf539d8-14ce-4c79-835e-626e85b128a3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(7.105427357601002e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Their flavour profile is characterised by delicate citrus and floral notes, often described as subtle and refined. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Great For Wines

[{"selector":"#anim-5954dbd2-f9f2-4912-93a3-e6d22c21adde [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter) Koshu grapes are particularly well-suited to producing elegant, light-bodied white wines.

Where Are They Grown?

[{"selector":"#anim-0abab6ba-17f2-458e-b6c0-4e3ef5417a54 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter) They are primarily grown in the Yamanashi Prefecture, where the terroir imparts unique qualities to the grapes.

International Reputation

[{"selector":"#anim-602654a8-4bed-4461-820b-fa2967e58284 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Koshu grapes have gained international recognition, with wines made from them increasingly exported globally. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Genetically Distinct

[{"selector":"#anim-f86f19a4-8d12-4008-9b7b-39769f494342 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The variety is genetically distinct, being a hybrid of vitis vinifera and an Asian wild grape species. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

[{"selector":"#anim-32489c55-39a4-4b67-ad23-99752b335804 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(1.9285714339880116%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Have you ever tried them? Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)