Grape Republic / Francois Dumas Fermented on Skin in Amphora 2020

Yamagata // Japan

A noteworthy orange made with Delaware grapes. Dry and fruit with a charming nose followed by tea and whisky nuances. 

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Grape Republic was founded by restaurateur and sommelier Kazuomi Fujimaki in 2015 who moved from Tokyo to the village of Shinden in Yamagata. With no previous experience in winemaking – he set three simple rules for himself: The cultivation must be organic, the wines must be made without sulphur and other additives, and they should preferably have a touch of amphora storage. The goal was to make live and clear Japanese wines in free style using the grapes grown in Yamagata’s orchards.

Francois Dumas, a pioneer in introducing biodynamic and natural wines in Japan through “LE VIN NATURE” started producing wine in collaboration with Grape Republic in Yamagata in 2019 and 2020.

The current state of play now see Haruyuki Yano as the face of Grape Republic with Alex Craighead of Kindeli Wines involved as a partner and mentor.