Grape Varietals
A plain-language guide to Nebbiolo: its character, flavor, and food pairings. The grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, surprisingly powerful for its pale color, with a recommended bottle.
A plain-language guide to Merlot: its character, flavor, and food pairings. A soft, approachable red and a great entry point, with a recommended bottle.
What is Nero d'Avola? A Tokyo-based Italian importer explains Sicily's signature black grape: its taste, regional styles, serving temperature and food pairings, plus three bottles we import, from a fresh organic style to a structured top cuvee.
A plain-language guide to Primitivo: its flavor, character, and food pairings, plus the doppio passo double-harvest method, with a recommended bottle at 2,200 yen.
Sangiovese is the red grape behind Chianti, Morellino and other iconic Italian wines. Balanced acidity and cherry fruit make it superbly food-friendly. We explain its taste, pairings and recommended bottles.
Cabernet Franc is a red grape with herb and violet aromas and a supple, lighter style. We explain how it differs from Cabernet Sauvignon, its regional styles, food pairings and how to choose.