Grape Republic
Established in 2017, Grape Republic quickly made its mark. Situated in Yamagata Prefecture, the winery takes full advantage of the region's unique climate. Benefiting from the distinct climatic conditions of Nanyo City, their vineyards yield grapes that reflect the essence of the land.
Grape Republic is renowned for its commitment to authenticity and their dedication to purity and quality. This philosophy extends to their cultivation practice. In their vineyards, no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers are used.
The winemaking process is equally pure, relying solely on natural yeasts and avoiding additives.
The winery's belief is that "terroir" goes beyond just the climate, topography, and soil - it encompasses the people, culture, and history of the region. This holistic approach to winemaking is evident in their products, which capture the essence of the land and its heritage.
One of the features of Grape Republic's winemaking process is their use of amphora. They employ 17 amphoras, some as large as 1000L, making it one of the largest of such facilities in Japan. This ancient method, dating back 8000 years, allows for a natural fermentation process, resulting in wines that are often described as being "more grape-like than the grape itself."
Grape Republic envisions a future where Japanese wines are celebrated for their unique characteristics, such as their aromatic qualities, mineral notes, and refreshing taste. They believe that the delicate nature of Japanese grapes, cultivated for their taste and sugar content rather than appearance, can be a strength in the global wine market.