A three-bottle selection exploring the origins of Japanese wine through its most iconic grape.
Muscat Bailey A, created by Zenbei Kawakami—the “father of Japanese wine”—is one of Japan’s most important red grape varieties. Known for its lightness, softness, and red-fruited character, it is often approachable, yet capable of far more depth depending on how it is grown and interpreted.
This box brings together three distinct expressions from Tokyo, Nagano, and Okayama. From immediate and playful, to experimental and modern, to structured and refined—these wines offer a way to understand where Muscat Bailey A comes from, and where it is today.
Included Wines
A light and vibrant Muscat Bailey A from Fujimaru Winery, an urban winery based in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Tokyo, working with grapes sourced from Ibaraki.
Aromas of strawberry, red plum, and pomegranate are layered with fresh greens and delicate floral notes. On the palate, cherry and raspberry meet a subtle hint of pink grapefruit, supported by moderate acidity and a bright, juicy character. A faint natural spritz from fermentation enhances its lightness and drinkability.
Unlike their usual barrel-aged style, this vintage focuses on freshness and immediacy. Fermented with wild yeast and bottled without added sulphites, it offers a direct expression of the grape’s natural charm.
A modern interpretation from Nagano, made from 80% Muscat Bailey A and 20% Merlot.
The wine opens with a gentle spritz, revealing layers of American cherry, cassis, strawberry, violet, and blueberry. Alongside its bright fruit, there is a subtle savoury character reminiscent of plum dashi. Light-bodied and low in alcohol, it remains balanced and versatile across a wide range of dishes.
Created by winemaker Ryo Tanabe, who studied Muscat Bailey A at its origin in Niigata before working with the variety, this wine reflects a contemporary rethinking of the grape.
A more structured and refined expression from domaine tetta in Okayama, made from 25-year-old estate-grown vines.
Aromas of raspberry, cassis, and confiture are layered with notes of cinnamon, caramel, and dried herbs from oak ageing. While dry on the palate, the aromatic profile gives a subtle impression of sweetness. Flavours of black plum and cassis are supported by vibrant acidity and soft tannins, leading to an elegant and persistent finish.
Rather than emphasising the variety’s often candy-like character, this wine focuses on balance, precision, and clarity—demonstrating the full potential of Muscat Bailey A.
Bundle Pricing
€145 → €137.75 (5% off)
This box is offered at 5% off the total price of the individual bottles.
Rather than selecting each wine separately, it is designed as a cohesive way to experience the range of Muscat Bailey A—from its most accessible form to its more structured expressions.
Why This Box
This is not simply a three-bottle set.
It is a way to explore how a single grape—created in response to Japan’s climate—continues to evolve today.
From the light, immediate style of Tokyo, to the experimental approach in Nagano, to the structured expression from Okayama, each wine reflects a different interpretation of Muscat Bailey A. Together, they offer a complete picture of the grape and its place in Japanese wine.
Recommended For
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Those new to Japanese wine
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Anyone curious about Muscat Bailey A
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Lovers of light, food-friendly red wines
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Drinkers interested in natural and minimal-intervention styles
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Those who want to understand Japanese wine through tasting
Serving Suggestions
Best served slightly chilled (10–16°C). These wines pair well with a wide range of dishes, from Japanese cuisine such as yakitori and miso-based dishes to grilled meats, tomato-based pasta, and cheese.
Learn More
To learn more about the origins of Muscat Bailey A, read our journal article:
Who Is the “Father of Japanese Wine”?
https://gubi-gubi.nl/blogs/japanese-wine-journal/who-is-the-father-of-japanese-wine-zenbei-kawakami-and-the-origins-of-muscat-bailey-a
