Japan's Oldest Winemaker Readies for European Grape Onslaught
- Kirin is pushing native Koshu grape as Chardonnay alternative
- Japan’s trade agreement with EU seen boosting wine consumption
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With the removal of tariffs on European wines as soon as next year, Kirin Holdings Co.’s wine-making unit is betting on Japanese grapes to weather the onslaught.
Mercian Corp., Japan’s biggest and oldest winemaker, is nearly doubling its vineyards on expectations that its niche grapes -- grown in a small area in the shadow of Mount Fuji -- will increase sales both at home and overseas. It’s seeking to bolster market share ahead of the implementation of a trade agreement removing tariffs on European Union wines that are as high as 182 yen ($1.63) a liter.