Suntory Wine International Limited is pleased to announce new winemaking initiatives at Tomi no Oka. As the winery celebrates a century of grape cultivation, this forward-looking project is intended to enhance the quality of Japanese wine over the next 100 years. Toward this end, Suntory is working more closely with Domaines Barons de Rothschild to share winemaking insight.
This year, Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery celebrates a century of grape cultivation that began at Tomi Farm in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1909. Over the years, many types of wine satisfying the delicate Japanese palate have been produced from grapes ideally suited to this natural setting, in the belief that superior wine comes from superior grapes. In the 1950s, European grapes were introduced to Japan here, 1975 marked the first Japanese harvest of noble rot grapes, and other achievements followed. In this way, the vintners have always pioneered new trends in winemaking to drive advances in the techniques and quality of domestic production, cultivating the very traditions of wine in Japan.
The efforts have come to fruition in many international awards. Tomi, the premium Tomi no Oka brand, has been recognized along with many other Japanese wines, drawing international attention to domestic wine in recent years.
Suntory contributions to exceptional winemaking are not limited to Japan, however. In 1983, Suntory assumed management of Château Lagrange, a renowned estate in Bordeaux. In 1985, Suntory established special business ties with preeminent Bordeaux estate Château Lafite-Rothschild as part of global wine operations.
As we look back on 100 years of viniculture at Tomi no Oka, we are also looking forward to even better quality over the next 100 years of winemaking, and this dedication has inspired the project for a new century in Japanese wine. While maintaining the techniques and expertise gained over many years of domestic production, Suntory has strengthened ties with Domaines Barons de Rothschild on a technical level and is committed to superior vintages at Tomi no Oka Winery, efforts that will expand traditions of wine in Japan and stimulate the market.
Suntory is working more closely with Domaines Barons de Rothschild, proprietors of Château Lafite-Rothschild, to share technical expertise in grape cultivation, wine fermentation, and other aspects of winemaking. Additionally, wine is being jointly developed in anticipation of release in fall 2010.
Organic production was introduced at Tomi no Oka vineyards in 2008 for cabernet sauvignon grapes and in 2009 for chardonnay grapes, as Suntory explores new possibilities in grape cultivation at Tomi no Oka Winery.
Soil moisture control is carefully practiced at Tomi no Oka vineyards, where ongoing studies are aimed at nurturing healthy roots in field soil with an optimal balance of air and water, among other objectives. Techniques will be further refined to develop fertile soil.
Technical development is focused on cap management and maceration management. The former is intended to extract more of the excellent flavors and aromas from the cap, or layer of skins on the surface of fermenting wine. The latter is intended to increase the amount of tannins, also rich in flavors and aromas, by controlling the conditions of maceration during and after fermentation.
Related Article
Vineyards at Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery are located in a grape utopia in Yamanashi Prefecture, an area generally acclaimed for grape production. The winery attempts to capture the distinctive character of Tomi no Oka's terroir at its best by managing all stages of winemaking, from soil cultivation to fermentation to aging. Fields are classified by conditions of soil and sunlight so that particular varieties of grape are grown under optimal conditions. Comprehensive management by the winery also enables eco-friendly agriculture. Care for the environment from grape cultivation to fermentation led to ISO 14001 certification in 2001, attesting to the winery's sound environmental management system. Dedication to quality management in agriculture led to ISO 9001 certification in 2004. In this way, Tomi no Oka has demonstrated their commitment both to the environment and to quality assurance.
Domaines Barons de Rothschild operates Château Lafite-Rothschild, a world-renowned "First Growth" (Premier Cru) Médoc estate in the same official Bordeaux classification as Château Margaux.
In 1985, Suntory established special business ties with Château Lafite-Rothschild for mutual cooperation and exchange in traditions of wine. Over the ensuing 24 years, Suntory has conducted marketing and sales of Domaines Barons de Rothschild wines in Japan.
