Grape Republic Collection

Welcome to the incredible world of Grape Republic. 

These incredibly delicious and unique wines are made primarily by hybrid grapes used due the difficult growing conditions of Japan. Below is a little write up from our friends Juice Imports about the grapes used by Grape Republic. 

The majority of grapes grown in the Yamagata Prefecture are hybrids – crossings of Vitis Vinifera (European grape vines) and varieties from North America. Most were created for culinary applications, favouring large, uniform berries, delicate flavours, lower sugar levels, thinner skins, little to no seeds, and softer acids for the ideal eating experience. They tend to be more resistant to Japan’s humidity and easily adapt to alternative training systems like overhead pergolas. The flavour profile of these grapes is entirely new for many consumers, making them as shocking as they are delicious.

Japan’s lack of a robust appellation system is a double-edged sword for Kazuomi. It leaves the door open for questionable practices like adulteration and fraud but also allows for experimentation and exploration. Nearly every European appellation has outlawed hybrid grapes, a near-sighted and limiting approach that upholds a colonial and euro-centric rubric for quality. - Juice Imports