RUBY ROSE 2023

This is a 2023 sparkling rosé, RUBY ROSE, from KITANI wine in Nara Prefecture, crafted by Mr. Kitani and his staff member Daichi, who harvested 800kg of grapes in a midsummer greenhouse. It uses seedless varieties PIONE, BLACK BEAT, and GOLBY, along with seeded DELAWARE. PIONE and GOLBY were pressed as whole fruit for white winemaking, BLACK BEAT underwent semi-maceration carbonic, and DELAWARE was pressed separately into free-run and press-run fractions for white winemaking. These were then blended, and after primary fermentation, the wine was racked, sweetened, and bottled. It is a dry, medium-bodied rosé with 10% alcohol and a 750ml volume.

The slight coarseness often found in table grapes is suppressed through white winemaking and semi-carbonic maceration, resulting in aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and apple, reminiscent of Kyoho wine. The low alcohol and gentle effervescence provide a smooth mouthfeel, complemented by tannins from BLACK BEAT and a satisfying body from the seeded DELAWARE. This is considered a great value bottle, a challenge in the lower price range from the winery in its second year of operation.

As it may erupt if opened when warm and the lees are mixed, please chill it thoroughly, let it stand upright for a while, and then open it. Why not choose this rosé sparkling for gatherings with friends and family, or for a quiet moment to enjoy a whole bottle by yourself on the weekend?