Cave d'Occi Winery
Niigata, Niigata

Grapes: Albariño
Type: White
Style: Dry, medium-bodied
Colour: Pale gold
Alcohol: 11.5%
Wild yeast: Yes
Any added sulphites: No
Filtered: No
Serving temperature: 7-10°C
Production: 1,163 bottles
Please store in a cool, dark place.

Tasting notes
The top notes reveal yuzu, mandarin orange, lemon, and lime, accompanied by a subtle sweetness reminiscent of quince and honey. Layered with delicate notes of jasmine in the background. On the palate, it offers a soft yet prominent acidity, complemented by noticeable minerality. The sense of structure in the liquid suggests promising aging potential.

Food pairing
Sushi, grilled fish with salt, seared vinegared mackerel, steamed clams in sake, tempura, chawanmushi, yellowtail carpaccio, sweet ginger pickles, Japanese dishes with plum paste and shiso

Winemaking
Cave d'Occi Winery's Doubutsu (= Animal) Series is a collection of wines vinified by winemaker Fumito Kakegawa, showcasing his personal passions and creative flair. The year 2023 was marked by high temperatures and drought, with Albariño being the grape variety most affected by the harsh climate. Despite it being summer, leaves began to turn red, and in some cases, the vines defoliated before harvest, resulting in many shriveled clusters. This wine was not originally planned for production in 2023, but it was made from Albariño grapes salvaged from these challenging conditions.

The winemaking process reflects the characteristic style of the "Doubutsu Series," starting with a two-day maceration followed by barrel fermentation using native yeasts in old barrels. Malolactic fermentation (MLF) was carried out with the addition of cultured lactic acid bacteria. The wine was then aged in barrels for nine months.

Nutrition Facts per 100ml
Energy: 73 kcal
Fat: 0 g
 - Saturates: 0 g
Carbohydrate: 2.0 g
 - Sugar: 2.0 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Salt: 0g