Akaneya Concord Red Grape Juice Karuizawa 1L

What is Akaneya grape juice?
This is a red grape juice from Akaneya, a coffee shop in Karuizawa — the historic highland resort in Nagano — that has been running for over half a century. It's made entirely from Japanese Concord grapes, a variety known for a deep color and a full, jammy sweetness, with notes of wild berry, dark plum, and a faint earthiness. It comes in a 1-liter bottle.

The juice was developed with input from people in the wine trade, aiming for a layered, full-bodied flavor rather than a simple sweet juice — all from the fruit, with no alcohol. In a 2004 blind tasting held in Karuizawa, with sommeliers and wine buyers judging around two dozen juices with the labels hidden, this one came first over entries from fruit shops, wineries, and growers.

Specifications

How to enjoy

Serve it chilled in a glass. It's full-bodied enough to stand in at the table when others are having wine, and suits guests who don't drink, children, or anyone driving. It also pairs with cheese and dessert, or can be warmed gently in cooler months.

Pairing notes — cheese, dessert, celebration meals, and a toast without alcohol.