Les Vins Vivants
Tomi, Nagano

Apples: 48% Sun Fuji, 52% consists of Shinano Gold and Kogyoku
Type: Cider
Style: Dry, light-bodied
Colour: Pale yellow
Alcohol: 7.5%
Wild yeast: Yes
Any added sulphites: No
Filtered: No
Serving temperature: 5-8°C
Production:  1,977 bottles
Please store in a cool, dark place.

Tasting notes
The aromas of yellow apple, Asian pear, lemon and a slight savoury note like bread dough that has been bottle-aged with lees. Flavours such as ripe citrus, blood orange after a few days of opening.

Food pairing
Gyoza, Asian salad with coriander, dark stewed dishes, Takoyaki (ball-shaped Japanese snacks with octopus), Japanese rice crackers, grilled vegetables with Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese chilli powder), charcuterie

Cidermaking
Apples from their own orchards and purchased from Japan Agricultural Cooperative in the region were crushed and pressed at once under strong pressure. Fermentation began in  sealed plastic tanks with wild yeasts. No debourbage and no temperature control. Alcoholic fermentation began on day 7, earlier than in previous years, due to the use of sealed plastic tanks. About two weeks after the start of preparation, the fermentation process was continued in one open stainless steel tank in order to ensure consistency of flavour. The cider was bottled at the final stage of fermentation, about three and half weeks after the start of the whole process. Méthode Ancestrale (the primary fermentation is ended in the bottle) was adopted for a dry finish. After four months in the bottle, it was disgorged to remove the lees and was not sweetened. No sulphites were added from preparation to bottling, and the cider was unfiltered and unfined.

This is the fourth year of making the cider and it has the closest Pet Nat finish. Pleasant mouthfeel with not too much gas pressure. Versatile as an aperitif and as a mid-meal drink. The cider with a refreshing acidity like Japanese pear (20th Century Asian Pear), a clean sweetness and a full flavour. The finish is cleaner than in previous years, probably due to the use of sealed tanks. Enjoy the freshness of the apples.