GRAPE SHIP
Kurashiki, Okayama

Grapes: Muscat of Alexandria 77%, Syrah 22%, Shokoshi 1%
Type: Rosé semi-sparkling
Style: Dry, light-bodied
Colour: Pale salmon
Alcohol: 9.0%
Wild yeast: Yes
Any added sulphites: No 
Filtered: No
Serving temperature: 7-13°C
Production: 3,616 bottles
Please store in a cool, dark place.

Tasting notes
A bright and lively rosé pétillant with delicate natural bubbles. Aromas of rose petals, acerola, Muscat grapes, and red berries rise from the glass. Despite its gentle fruitiness, the palate is dry, showing a balance of sweet-sour fruit, refreshing acidity, and a pleasant bitterness. With time in the glass, the aromatics become increasingly expressive, revealing further layers of fruit and complexity.

Food pairing
Okonomiyaki, Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, shrimp and herb salad, grilled prawns, seafood pancake, chicken yakitori, vegetable tempura, ceviche, white fish carpaccio, fresh goat’s cheese, charcuterie.

Winemaking
This wine is made from organically grown Muscat of Alexandria, Syrah, and Shokoshi from Funao, Kurashiki, Okayama. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the vineyards benefit from abundant sunshine, excellent air circulation, and well-drained sandy loam soils, producing grapes with both aromatic intensity and concentration.

The 2025 growing season saw low rainfall during the rainy season, followed by intense summer heat. While it was a demanding year for growers, disease pressure remained low, allowing healthy grapes to be harvested.

Whole bunches of Muscat of Alexandria were placed into tanks and underwent approximately two weeks of maceration. After two days of pigeage, the grapes were pressed. This was then blended with direct-pressed and fermented Syrah, together with macerated Syrah and Shokoshi, creating the base wine for this rosé pétillant.

Secondary fermentation took place in the bottle, resulting in its gentle sparkle. No fining agents, filtration, or added sulphur dioxide were used at any stage.

The name “Shu” (朱) refers to the traditional vermilion colour associated with celebration, protection, and good fortune in Japan. The label depicts the sunrise over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as seen from Kojima, a port town closely connected to the winemaker’s personal history.

Created as a wine to celebrate new beginnings and departures, it reflects both the landscape of Okayama and the spirit of setting sail towards something new.

Nutrition Facts per 100ml
Energy: 54 kcal
Fat: 0 g
 - Saturates: 0 g
Carbohydrate: 1.5 g
 - Sugar: 1.5 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Salt: 0g