Fattoria Al Fiore Hana 2023

Despite its distinctly Italian name, Fattoria Al Fiore was established in 2015 by Hirotaka and Reina Meguro in Kawasaki, Miyagi Prefecture, in northeastern Japan. The winery occupies a converted school gymnasium at the foot of the Zaō Mountains, where the couple produce small quantities of wine using locally grown grapes and spontaneous fermentation. Hana belongs to the estate's Neco series, named after cats that have been part of the winery's life. The 2023 is a blend of 57% Steuben, an American table grape variety prized in Japan for its intensely aromatic fruit, and 43% Merlot, both sourced from growers in neighbouring Yamagata Prefecture. The Steuben underwent approximately twelve days of whole-bunch maceration, with fermentation and maturation involving seasoned oak and resin tanks. Meguro increased the proportion of Merlot in 2023 to give the wine greater structure and complexity, while retaining Steuben's expressive fruit character. Expect fragrant dark berries, floral notes and ripe plum, with gentle savoury complexity, supple tannins and a rounded, medium-bodied palate. The wine was bottled without added sulphur, fining or filtration.