KOSAKA, Akita -- Kosaka Seven Falls Winery has rolled out its locally made red wine that has the color of cherry blossoms and is made with cherry yeast.
The Kosaka, Akita Prefecture based winery began selling Akita Bizakura Wine on March 1.
The winery is particular about using ingredients produced in the prefecture, including grapes, and the wine's pink hue evokes the arrival of spring.
The grapes are produced in Yokote and are of the Steuben variety, which is characterized by its honey-like sweetness.
Akita Bizakura Kobo is the yeast variety. It was produced in 2000 from Someiyoshino cherry trees in Kimimachi-Zaka Prefectural Natural Park in Noshiro by the Akita Research Institute of Food and Brewing.
Hiromi Mori, the representative director of the winery, said the wine has a fruity and sweet taste, and a good balance with the acidic flavor. The taste appeals to a wide range of people. A 720 milliliter bottle costs 1,870, including tax. Only 1,700 bottles are on sale, and can be purchased from the winery's online store and in liquor shops in the prefecture.