Muscat Wines of Japan
Modern Japanese wine production started about 140 years ago with the establishment of the first domestic Japanese wine company in the 1870s. It was started by two young men from Yamanashi prefecture, following their return from studying French wine production in France. Since then Japanese vintners have used a combination of indigenous, hybrid and European grapes to make wine. Today, Muscat Bailey A is the most widely planted red wine grape in Japan. The typical profile of Muscat Bailey A wine is light bodied with low acid and tannin, generous fruit flavours, successful barrel ageing and graceful blending with Bordeaux varietals. High quality Japanese wines have received good ratings at recent international wine competitions.
Muscat Bailey A is a pink-skinned hybrid of Bailey (V. labruscana) and Muscat Hamburg (V. vinifera). It was developed by Zenbei Kawakami in the 1920’s at the Iwanohara Winery in Niigata prefecture as a grape suited to Japan’s climate. Japan’s climate is generally wet and Kawakami’s Niigata prefecture in particular is prone to heavy snow and freezing conditions. Muscat Bailey A is uniquely adapted to this climate because it has thick skin which makes it resistant to fungal diseases. It is also late budding which helps it avoid spring frosts and early ripening which helps it avoid autumn frosts. (2020 information Wine Searcher)
Japan Yamanashi Region
Alps Wine
Renard Cuisine Red
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Alps Wine
Platinum Collection
Muscat Bailey A
2011, 2017
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Awards
International Wine Challenge, 2019 Commended
International Wine Challenge, 2017 Commended
Japan
Asahimachi Wine
Kashiwabara Vineyard
Muscat Bailey A
Red wine
Rich fruit body.
Japan
Caney Wine
See Kanai Brewery for Muscat Bailey A wine.
See Mitosaya for Muscat Bailey A Brandy
Japan Yamanashi Region
Chateau Jun
Art Serie
Berger Ramenant son Troupeau le Soir
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Chateau Mercian
Ensemble Aiakane
Muscat Bailey A grape
Well balanced with a good level of spiciness within its red fruit flavor (2020 information)
Japan Yamanashi Region
Chateau Mercian Winery
Yamanashi Muscat Bailey A
Red wine. Light and perfumed
Awards
International Wine Challenge, 2014: Bronze
Decanter World Wine Awards, 2014: Bronze
International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2014: Bronze
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2014: Bronze
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2013: Silver
Japan Yamanashi Region
Chateau Mercian Winery
Hosaka Muscat Bailey A
Red wine. Light and perfumed
Awards
International Wine Challenge, 2019: Bronze
International Wine Challenge, 2019: Silver
International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2019: Silver
International Wine Challenge, 2018: Commended
International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2018: Bronze
Japan Yamanashi Region
Chateau Sakaori Winery
Muscat Bailey A wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Diamond Winery
Chanter Muscat Bailey-A Plus 2017
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Diamond Winery
Chanter Y-A Muscat Bailey A Plus 2010
Red Wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Diamond Winery
Y3 Cube 2016
Muscat Bailey-A grape
Red wine
Aroma: fresh scent of berries. Palate: sweet without being sugary. Finish: refreshing sourness. (2020 information)
Japan
Domaine Tetta
Muscat Bailey A MC Sans Soufre 2017.
Gentle effervesences. Aroma: strawberry, raspberry, plum, cinnamon, anise, and orange. (2020 information)
Japan
Donguriano Wine
Muscat Bailey A
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Grace Wine
Muscat Bailey A
Red wine
Japan
Grande Polaire
Okayama Muscat Bailey A
Barrel aged
Red wine
Aroma: rich mellowness with a soft bouquet. Palate: robust fruity flavor. (2020 information from the winery)
Japan
Honda Winery AIZU WINE
Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A grape
Japan
Iwanohara Vineyard
Muscat Bailey A
Flagship wine of Iwanohara Vineyard
Intense, delicate flavor and gentle texture (2020 information from the winery)
Japan
Iwanohara Vineyard
Rosé Muscat Bailey A
Muscat BaileyA grape
A faint sweet scent, fresh acidity, and delicate bubble formation (2020 information from the winery)
Japan
Izutsu Winery
Muscat Bailey A 2012
Red wine
Palate: soft strawberry. Dry but fruity
Award
Japan Wine Competition 2015 Silver medal.
Japan
Izutsu Winery
Barrel Aged Muscat Bailey A Nagano
2015, 2017
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Kanai Brewery (Caney Wines?)
Vino da Manriki Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Katsunuma Winery
Arugano Monte
2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
Muscat Bailey A grape
Rose wine – Crisp and Dry
Japan Yamanashi Region
Katsunuma Winery
Aruga Alcacer DCXLI
2011,2012,2014, 2015,2016
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Awards
International Wine Challenge, 2018: Bronze
Japan
Kurambon Wine
Bel Alba Muscat Bailey A
Dry Rose wine
Natural wine. A bit foamy and very fruity (2020 information)
Japan
Kurambon Wine
Bel Canto Natural “Muscat Bailey A” Grape Wine
Muscat Bailey A grape
Organic dry red wine
Aroma: apple purée, cassis, dried plum, licorice and blueberry. Palate: the natural fruit, slight bitterness with hints of mocha and cocoa. A good balance of acidity and a long finish.(2020 information from VSF Wine Education)
Japan
Kurambon Wine
Natural Muscat Bailey A 2017
Muscat Bailey A grape
Organic red wine
Aroma: apple purée, cassis and plum.
Japan
L’Escargot
Yahiko 2014
Muscat Bailey A Premium Wine
Red wine
Yamanashi Region
L’Orient
Barrel Aged Muscat Bailey A 2018
Muscat Bailey A grape
Dry red wine
An explosion of rose petals, violets and strawberries with enticing chocolate, brioche notes on the palate and a striking acid bite. (2020 information Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2019)
Japan Yamanashi Region
L’Orient
Cellar Master Muscat Bailey A 2018
Muscat Bailey A grape
Dry red wine
A purity of cranberry, sour cherry and plummy fruit with a delicious savoury edge, fine tannins and a refreshing finish. (2020 information Decanter Asia Awards 2019)
Award
Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2019 Silver medal
Japan Yamanashi
Lumière
Prestige Class Muscat Bailey A 2015
Muscat Bailey A grape
Dry red wine
Smoky and toasty with notes of raspberry jam and ripe tannins. (2020 information Decanter Asia Wine awards 2019)
Award:
Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2019 Commended
Japan Yamanashi Region
Lumière
Muscat Bailey A Ishigura Wine 2018
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Manns Wines Komoro
Solaris
Yamanashi Muscat Bailey A
Shikishima Okubo
Red wine
Aroma:fruity notes of berries, oak, violets, vanilla cream, strawberries. Palate: complex intense flavor, juicy. Finely textured body (2020 information from the winery)
Japan Yamanashi Region
Marquis Winery
Iro Muscat Bailey A
Red wine
Japan
MGV Winery
Muscat Bailey A wine B series
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Mitosaya Botanical Distillery
MUSCAT BAILEY A BRANDY
Eau De Vie de Marc made with Berry A Pomace (strained lees) from Caney Winery, based in Manriki, Yamanashi Prefecture. (2020 information from the distillery)
Mitosaya Botanical Distillery
Muscat Bailey A
Item: Brandy
Ingredients: Grape pomace (Muscat / Berry A)
Alcohol content: 44%
Mitosaya Botanical Distillery
Muscat Bailey A with Ruta
Item: Brandy
Ingredients: Grape pomace (Muscat / Berry A), common rue
Alcohol content: 44%
Mitosaya Botanical Distillery
Muscat Bailey A with Mint
Item: Brandy
Ingredients: Grape pomace (Muscat / Berry A), Moroccan mint, rice spirits
Alcohol content: 44%
Mitosaya Botanical Distillery
Muscat Bailey A with Hyssop
Item: Brandy
Ingredients: Grape pomace (Muscat / Berry A), hyssop, rice spirits
Alcohol content: 44%
Japan
Miyoshi Winery
Tomoe Muscat Bailey A, Hiroshima 2016, 2018
Red wine
Awards
International Wine Challenge, 2019: Silver
Japan Yamanashi Region
Sainte Neige Winery
Muscat Bailey A
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Shirayuri Winery
L’Orient Le Mont Red Shirayuri
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Soleil Wine
Classic Red
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Soleil Wine
Rouge Kusakabenne
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamanashi Region
Soryu Winery
Yamanashi Bailey A Rose 2018
Muscat Bailey A grape
Rose wine, crisp and dry
Yamanashi Region
Soryu Winery
Freezing Wine Red 2017
Muscat Bailey A grape
Sweet red Ice wine
Palate: strawberry jam
Japan
Suntory
Japan Premium Muscat Bailey A 2014
Red wine
Awards
Japan Wine Challenge, 2013: Seal Of Approval
Japan Wine Challenge, 2012: Seal Of Approval
Japan
Suntory Shiojiri Winery
Mizunara Barrel Aged Muscat Bailey A 2013
Nagano
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan
Suntory Shiojiri Winery
Muscat Bailey A Nagano, 2015, 2016
Red wine
Japan
Suntory
Suntory Japan Premium’ Muscat Bailey A Rose
2015,2018
Muscat Bailey A grape
Light Rose wine, crisp and dry with a fruity flavor and floral aromas (2020 information)
Awards
International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2013: Bronze
Japan Wine Challenge, 2013: Seal Of Approval
Japan Yamagata
Takeda Winery
Rouge
2017, 2018
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamagata
Takeda Winery
L’Elevage en Fut “Rouge Barrel Aged Red”
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan Yamagata
Takeda Winery
Sans Soufre Rouge 2016
Muscat Bailey A grape
Dry red wine
Japan Yamagata
Tengeijis
Muscat Bailey A
2015,2016,2017,2019
Dry red wine
Aroma: red fruits, cranberry, vanilla. Some evidence of oak. (2020 information)
Japan
Tomi No Oka
Japan Premium Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A grape
Red wine
Japan
Tsuno Wine
Muscat Bailey-A Private Reserve 2013
Red wine
Award
International Wine Challenge 2019 Commended
Japan
Zen
Red Muscat Bailey A
Muscat Bailey A grape
Dry red wine
Aroma: fresh fruit and young berries. Palate: cherries, black currants, strawberries (2020 information)