A true ambassador for natural wines, the French wine industry is gaining attention worldwide, particularly in Japan. In 2018, Nichifutsu Shoji, a family business based in Kobe, took over the reins of Les Jardins de La Martinière, a wine estate nestled in the small village of Coutures in the Loire Valley.
After completing extensive training in the art of importing high-end products and learning the wine trade at local vineyards, Kaya Tsutsui greatly benefited from the friendship and advice of Hirotake Ooka, himself a Rhône Valley winemaker, in crafting his own natural wines. Supported by Ludovic Joly, Kaya Tsutsui is responsible for all stages of production, from work in the vines to the careful vinification and marketing of the bottles. Today, the estate now covers five hectares of vines, all located on south-east facing slopes. The winemaker opted to plant Cabernet Franc and Chenin, allocating one hectare to more experimental grape varieties.
Today, a dozen winemakers of Japanese origin have settled in France since the 1990s, and Kaya Tsutsui is undoubtedly one of the next great winemakers in his category.

Originally from the Spanish Pyrenees, Cabernet Franc is a favourite of the Loire Valley, producing some exceptional wines. These Cabernet Franc vines, growing on clay and limestone soils, enjoy a north-easterly orientation, ideal for balanced sunshine, and the benefits of organic farming. The vines are harvested entirely by hand, at optimum ripeness. In the cellar, the grapes undergo a four-week maceration period followed by fermentation in fibreglass vats. Finally, the wine is carefully aged in barrels for around 12 months before being left to rest for a further year in fibreglass, then bottled.
The elegant, dark ruby-red colour unveils an expressive bouquet marked by aromas of blackcurrants and prunes with a touch of licorice. On the palate, the finesse of the tannins blends perfectly with the delicious fruit flavours and incredible length.