Rare Japanese Red Wine Wins Gold at 2025 Kura Master in France

A Japanese red wine made from a rare grape variety has won a Gold Award at the 2025 Kura Master competition in France. The wine, named Aldebaran, was crafted from Muscat Bailey A grapes—a hybrid developed in Japan over a century ago. The event also recognised a unique sake, Junmai -eme-, which secured a Platinum Award for its innovative production method. The Muscat Bailey A grape, once a staple in Japanese winemaking, nearly disappeared due to shifting market trends and economic challenges. In autumn 2025, producers revived the variety by purchasing 200 kilograms of the grapes. This effort led to the creation of Aldebaran, a wine praised for its concentrated strawberry aroma and fresh, herbaceous notes.

Yokohama Winery collaborated with Professor Akihiro Kaneko of Okayama University of Science to produce the award-winning wine. Their approach combined traditional winemaking techniques with modern oenological methods. Kaneko, who oversaw the project, highlighted the grape’s distinct sweetness and subtle acidity as key to its success. The Kura Master competition, held on 11 May 2025, allows French consumers and experts to evaluate Japanese sake and wine. Alongside *Aldebaran*, the judges awarded *Junmai -eme-* a Platinum Award. This sake stands out for its use of a proprietary yeast strain derived from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, adding a unique twist to its flavour profile.

The Gold Award for Aldebaran marks a milestone for Japanese winemaking, reviving interest in the Muscat Bailey A grape. The recognition at Kura Master also highlights the growing appreciation of Japanese beverages in international markets. Both the wine and sake awards reflect ongoing innovation in the country’s brewing and viticulture traditions.