Grape Republic is a Japanese winemaker located in Yamagata Prefecture, in the Nanyo region. They specialize in organically farmed, minimal intervention winemaking with the motto "100% Grapes", to express their commitment to using zero additives and only natural ambient yeasts in the winemaking process.

Their 'Rosso' is a very light, chillable red (almost rose, really.) made from Steuben, Niagra and Delaware grape co-ferments, which spend a short maceration of 6-8 days on their skins before being blended together in stainless steel tanks. 

On the nose, the Rosso immediately hits with a note of vivid and ripe fruit punch that gave me a worry that I was about to drink a fruit-bomb. Shortly after a little swirling and evolution in the glass, woody and herbaceous aromas of pencil shavings and rhubarb emerge, along with a pleasantly heady asphalt-like funk, and a hint of ocean air. Although in writing, this mishmash of fruit and savory aromas seems a little incongruous, they balance each other in a wonderful and intriguing play of fruity fun and herbaceous mystery. The acidity is mild and pleasant, and despite the lightness in color and short skin-maceration, the tannins are have a pleasing presence that promote the woody and herbaceous qualities throughout each sip.