Hello! I'm Toyoda, the EC Manager at Hivino, and lately I've been so hooked on Korean dramas on Netflix that I'm chronically sleep-deprived.
Hivino's cherished concept is: "Making today a little bit better."
Of course, wine enjoyed on anniversaries or in special places is wonderful, but we believe that a glass quietly savored alone at the end of the day, or sharing a laugh with loved ones over "delicious" wine, those everyday moments with a glass close at hand are what truly enrich our lives.
Recently, I encountered a magnificent champagne that truly brightens up the everyday scene. I'd like to report on the producer's visit seminar for the prestigious "Champagne Ayala," held in Tokyo, blending my professional perspective with the personal感動 (kandō - deep emotion/impression) of a wine lover.
The Philosophy of Highlighting the Pure Character of Grapes
Champagne Ayala is a distinguished boutique house (small-scale operation) based in Aÿ, Champagne, boasting over 160 years of history. Their winemaking philosophy can be simply summarized into two key points:
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An identity that emphasizes Chardonnay
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Low dosage (minimal sugar addition) to enhance the ingredients
The resulting flavors are elegant, mineral-driven, and very modern. It's not only perfect for those who prefer a crisp, dry taste, but its surprisingly pure and clean character gives it high potential to pair with a wide range of cuisines.
"No Great Vintage from August Harvests" - A Producer's Struggle with Nature
What left a particularly deep impression on me at the seminar were the candid words of the producer regarding contemporary climate change.
Due to global warming, grapes that were once often harvested in September are now increasingly harvested in August. Considering this reality, he said:
"There has been no great vintage born from an August harvest yet, and for us, the battle with nature will continue to be a challenge."
Winemaking is truly profound; it's not simply about grapes ripening faster due to warmer temperatures. It's about maintaining a perfect balance between sugar and acidity as the grapes ripen quickly, reaching that ideal moment that the producer defines as "perfect." This was a powerful reaffirmation for me.
A Magnificent Quality That Brought Smiles: "Le Blanc de Blancs 2019"
Amidst such challenging interactions with nature, the 2019 vintage, which we tasted, was introduced as one of the "great vintages" where excellent conditions aligned.
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🍾 Le Blanc de Blancs 2019
Following the excellent Champagne years of 2002, 2008, and 2012, 2019 is a highly anticipated vintage.
Even now, its quality is simply stunning. The moment I took a sip, I couldn't help but smile at its beauty! The refined aromas of citrus and white flowers, and the elegant finish brought by the creamy bubbles, were truly a blissful moment... This is why I can't give up Champagne! (laughs)
We are very keen to offer this splendid 2019 vintage at Hivino once it is officially released! Please look forward to it.
A Glass That Transforms Everyday Meals into Dinner, Harmonizing with Daily Life
Ayala Champagne's "low dosage and dry taste" truly shines in gastronomy, meaning pairings with meals. It subtly enhances the flavors of ingredients, making it very compatible with delicate Japanese cuisine like sushi and sashimi.
Whether it's a luxurious moment of quiet reflection alone, or a lively dinner table sharing "otsukaresama" with someone, the refined and beautiful bubbles of Ayala alone will make the familiar sight of everyday prepared dishes feel a little brighter and more special.
Please try Ayala Champagne as a regular choice to make your everyday "a little bit better."
At Hivino, we will continue to introduce exquisite wines that complement your lifestyle and enrich your daily life. Stay tuned for our next event report!
