On the rolling hills of Yamagata prefecture, Haruyuki Yano of Grape Republic uses organic and biodynamic farming practices to make wines that are 100% Japanese and expressive of the unique landscapes in which they’re made. This, wild, completely unique, medium-bodied Japanese rosé is made from 70% Steuben (a hardy American hybrid) , 21% Merlot, and 9% Neo Muscat (a white grape that's a crossing of Muscat d'Alexandria and Koshu Sanjaku). Each varietal is spontaneously fermented with wild yeast and aged separately for nine months in amphorae prior to blending and bottling with zero added sulfur. Smokey violet on the nose makes way for pomegranate, cherry, and orange blossom on the palate with a long finish. This is a sturdier rosé with just enough tannin to complement hardier fare like hot Italian sausages, or grilled meats like Japanese yakitori.