Located in Osaka Prefecture, Katashimo Winery is the oldest existing winery in the Kansai area. Their vineyards occupy steep slopes overseeing Osaka City, and their grapes are cultivated using organic fertilizers with very low rates of pesticide use.
I was enthusiastic to try out the products of such a well-established winery and got my hands on their signature blended red wine, King Selby Red.
The label is quite aesthetic with an old-world feeling. A Japanese-style drawing depicts vineyard workers. There is no information on grape varieties but it is indicated that only domestic grapes were used. While each batch may be different, a search on the web reveals that the primary grapes behind King Selby are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Muscat Bailey.
In the glass, King Selby is a pale yet distinctively lustrous ruby, almost like a natural-wine color. The nose opens up with some aeration and reveals attractive red and black fruit notes. The fruit notes are alluring yet quite simple, with a slight hint of vanilla from the oak.
A sip of King Selby really showcases the ‘Japaneseness’ of this wine. Low on acidity and tannins, it is exceptionally light bodied for a red wine. The fruit flavors are gentle but distinctive. While it does not particularly feel out of balance, I would have wanted a fuller mouthfeel: With such low tannins and acidity, it almost feels like a rose instead of a red wine. The finish is short, leaving hints of strawberries in the palate.
That said, its light-body and simple fruit notes make it an ideal pairing for the gentle flavors of Japanese cuisine. Perhaps a nimono (simmered dish) consisting of fatty buri (yellowtail) and vegetables simmered in light Kansai dashi…
Overall, a pleasant and light-bodied red wine of simple fruit aromas. A good entry to the world of Japanese wine as it is quite characteristic.
Nose: Medium. Fresh strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries. A hint of vanilla.
Palate: Dry. Low acidity and tannins. Light body.
Finish: Short with fading sweetness of strawberries.
Price: ¥1760
Click here to buy online inside Japan.
