Everything in Japan is incomprehensible and mysterious. As well winemaking is capable to surprise not less, than snow-white-pink blossoming of an Oriental cherry, a sea entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, extent of Seto-Okhasi, greatness of sacred Mount Fuji. It should be noted that climatic conditions of Japan not especially are suitable for cultivation of grapes. For this reason this industry isn't so developed in this country.
Japanese winemaking
The Japanese winemaking, according to the legend, arose in the prefecture Yamanasi, Katsunum. Grapevines were transferred to Saint Geki in 718 by Buddha Neray. That also put them, having cut out in gratitude a statue of Neraya for so wonderful gift. This statue is stored in the temple Daydzendzi to this day. Pilgrims it called Budo Yakusi that in translation means "будо" - grapes, "yakus" - the teacher of doctoring.
However historians don't believe in divine origin of the Japanese wine. They consider that grapes got to the country not from heaven, and were exported from the neighboring China in the 8th century. Buddhist missionaries extended a grapevine through the whole country, without insisting on production of winemaking. In 1186 near Mount Fuji wine grapes which were called by Koshu were grown up. This grade still most of all corresponds to local climatic conditions. Such grade of grapes possesses special very thick peel. And its taste considerably differs from another, grown-up grapes grades. Upon, it is table grapes from which receive thin white wine.
Japanese wines
According to the existing tax law of Japan, wine can be considered as "Japanese" if 5% of grapes were grown up in the territory of the country. At the same time it is bottled also has to be in Japan. Wines of this category approximately make a half of the having sales volume. Call them "кокусан". This wine which is produced from the brought grapes. The big rarity to meet kokunaysan wine, wine from the grapes which are grown up in this country in Japan. The Japanese wines – the most rare in the world. From local grapes make a semidry and dry red Japanese wine. In Japan there is several classification of wines. For example, in Nagano the Japanese wines control exclusively by origin. In other regions of the country of a bottle of quality wine mark a special distinction. It is possible to taste wines of Japan unless at national restaurant today. On sale they, unfortunately, meet not so often. It should be noted that in Japan fruit wines also release. Japanese plum wine is considered very popular and obligatory for tasting. Brilliantly, fresh wines make from a quince, a peach, pear and pomegranate. It is accepted to call berry wines "kadzitsu-syu". More popular and well-known Japanese plum wine – "ume-syu". It is often exported as a souvenir from Japan, along with sake, naturally.