ZoomAki Queen2023
Domaine TettaNiimi, Okayama, Japan
About this wine
Domaine Tetta farms 8 hectares of vines on a limestone karst plateau at 400 to 600 metres in Niimi, Okayama, on land owner Ryuta Takahashi reclaimed from abandoned farming. The estate started in 2016 with the explicit goal of regenerating local farmland through wine. Aki Queen is a Japanese black-grape hybrid (a parent variety of Muscat Bailey A) that suits the Niimi limestone and altitude. The 2023 release is a rosé built around 85% Aki Queen and 7% Muscat Bailey A, vinified with native yeasts and aged in former limestone mining tunnels held year-round at 12 to 15°C and 80% humidity. 12% alcohol, no added sugar, no added acid. A distinctive rosé from one of Japan's most terroir-driven projects.
Winemaking
Whole-bunch fermentation in stainless steel with native yeasts, no destemming or crushing. Gentle extraction and minimal intervention throughout. Aged in tank and bottled with 15 ppm SO₂.