Cabernet Sauvignon
The most widely cultivated red wine grape in the world. It has powerful tannins, deep color, and potential for long aging. Known for its cassis and blackberry aromas, it gains complexity through barrel aging.
A region where small producers are scattered across hillsides overlooking Toyama Bay. Says Farm in Himi was founded in 2011 by a family of fish wholesalers long rooted in the bay, planting Albariño and Chardonnay on slopes that look down over the water. Snow-heavy winters and the humid air rising off the bay shape the contours of the wines here.
Climate / Soil
- Climate
- Sea of Japan climate (heavy snowfall, cool)
- Soil
- Hillside clay, Sandy loam, Gravelly slope soils
Appellations
- Himi
- Yokawa
- Fuchu
- Toyama Bay coast
History
Grape growing in Toyama is said to have begun in the early Showa era on the hills of Fuchu in Toyama City, and long remained a small-scale pursuit. In 2011 a family of fish wholesalers in Himi founded Says Farm, demonstrating the potential of slopes overlooking Toyama Bay and drawing renewed attention to winemaking in the prefecture.
Sommelier Note
Says Farm's Albariño sets soft white peach and pear fruit against a saline minerality. Where Niigata's Albariño carries a lightness born of its sand dunes, wines from Toyama's hillsides offer a fuller texture. Paired with the bounty of Toyama Bay—Himi's winter yellowtail or shiroebi shrimp—their sense of place comes through clearly.
Key Varieties
Merlot
The flagship variety of Bordeaux's Right Bank. Known for soft, smooth tannins and fruit flavors reminiscent of plum and cherry. More approachable than Cabernet and recommended for beginners.
Chardonnay
The world's most popular white wine grape. Native to Burgundy, it shows diverse expressions from the crisp acidity of Chablis to the rich style of California, depending on region and winemaking.
Albariño
The signature variety of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Characterized by sea-influenced salinity and minerality with rich fruit. Produces wines that are fresh yet complex, exceptionally paired with seafood.