Katsunuma Koshu Wins First Ever IWC Trophy

Announcement of Award

Morita Koshu Winery Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that our limited edition wine, "Chamonri Citrus Aroma Katsunuma Koshu 2025," received a score of 95 points and won the "Japanese White Trophy," the highest evaluation for Japanese white wine, at the International Wine Challenge 2026 (hereinafter "IWC"), a prestigious global wine competition held in the UK.

This is the first time our company has received a trophy at the IWC, and we are deeply honored. We believe this award is not just an achievement for one winery, but also an example of the growing international recognition for Yamanashi's grape growers, the potential of "Koshu," a grape variety unique to Japan, and Japanese wine as a whole.

We hope this award will serve as an opportunity to further deepen understanding of Japan's wine appellation systems, such as GI Yamanashi, and the quality and characteristics of Yamanashi wines, thereby contributing to the development and wider recognition of Japanese wine.

About the IWC Trophy

The IWC is considered one of the most influential wine competitions in the world, where wines from various countries are judged blind by an international panel of judges.

At the IWC, Gold medals are awarded to wines scoring 95 points or more. Trophies are then selected from these Gold medal winners as a higher tier of recognition. Trophy candidates undergo multiple re-judging rounds, making the Trophy an award given to an extremely limited number of wines, positioned "above Gold."

The "Japanese White Trophy" awarded to "Chamonri Citrus Aroma Katsunuma Koshu 2025" represents Japanese white wines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second time a wine made from Koshu grapes has won this trophy, following 2025, and the first time for a Koshu wine from Katsunuma Town. The continued evaluation of Koshu, a grape variety native to Japan, on the world stage is a significant result for Japanese wine.

About "Chamonri Citrus Aroma Katsunuma Koshu 2025"

Limited to 8,600 bottles. 100% Koshu grapes from the Iwasaki district of Katsunuma Town.

"Chamonri Citrus Aroma Koshu" is a series made using Koshu grapes from Yamanashi Prefecture, aiming to bring out the citrus aromas inherent in the Koshu variety.

The award-winning "Chamonri Citrus Aroma Katsunuma Koshu 2025" uses 100% Koshu grapes cultivated and harvested in the Iwasaki district of Katsunuma Town. The citrus aroma components of the Koshu grape are delicate and easily lost during cultivation and winemaking. Therefore, we have worked closely with contract farmers on cultivation management, carefully determining the optimal harvest time, and implementing measures to preserve the aromas during winemaking, such as controlling oxygen exposure.

This dry white wine is characterized by its refreshing aroma reminiscent of lemon and grapefruit, crisp acidity, and clean finish. It pairs well with dishes that highlight the natural flavors of ingredients, such as white fish carpaccio, raw oysters, and pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce.

IWC judges praised its Koshu character, robust aroma, lively lemon-like flavor, spicy notes, and long finish.

Taste Profile:

A dry wine characterized by a refreshing aroma reminiscent of lemon and grapefruit, crisp acidity, and a clean finish. Pairs well with dishes that highlight the natural flavors of ingredients, such as white fish and raw oysters.

Award-Winning Product Overview

Morita Koshu Winery Co., Ltd., as a winery rooted in the local Yamanashi region, will continue to work with grape growers to produce wines that leverage the unique characteristics of the Koshu grape, contributing to the further development of Japanese and Yamanashi wines.

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