Wines made from Auxerrois grapes of Japan
Discover the best wines made with Auxerrois as a single variety or as a blend of Japan.
Auxerrois is a white grape variety native to Lorraine, which is also found in Alsace and in the Loire Valley, where it took off in 1950. Its name comes from the nurseries in Auxerre where it found refuge during the Second World War. Often called Pinot Auxerrois, it is part of the Moselle, Alsace and Côtes-de-Toul AOC grape varieties. Auxerrois should not be confused with côt or malbec, which are red grape varieties from the Cahors region and which may bear the same name. The bunches of Auxerrois are of medium size with small berries. It is a semi-late grape variety whose buds only come out when temperatures are well above 10°C. Auxerrois wines are characterized by finesse and acidity and subtle aromas of exotic fruits, fruits and white flowers. In France, it represents 1,600 hectares of production and some small parcels of Auxerrois are also present in Luxembourg, Germany, Canada and South Africa (2,300 hectares in total).
Japan is famous for its sake, a rice wine, but Grape wine has been made in Japan for hundreds of years or more. Beer and whisky have also gained a place in the consciousness of modern Japanese, and have even become important contributors to the national economy. Winemaking has a Long history in Japan, and there are several stories surrounding its origins. The most common is that in 718 AD, a Buddhist monk named Gyoki planted the first vineyards at Daizenji Temple, near Katsunuma (southwest of Tokyo).