Rock-n-roll winemaker Charles Smith has been enjoying the spotlight a lot lately.
Following a string of stellar reviews for some of his recent vintages (most notably the tremendous Royal City Syrah) he was named FOOD & WINE Magazine's Winemaker of the Year in the 12th Annual American Wine Awards. In October, twelve (count 'em! 12!) wines from his 2006 vintage were awarded 93 points or better by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
The new year finds Charles back in Japan again to spread the love (and wine), and he was kind enough to take a few minutes to chat with Vinotokyo about Tokyo, Japan and his his increasingly sought-after wines.
First let me congratulate you on recent being named FOOD & WINE magazines Winemaker of the Year. It seems the accolades just keep coming in. What do you think of this latest award?
Thank you. I think it’s really cool. I’m not really into prizes and awards, but what means a lot to me is to see the list of people who have been recognized in the past like Robert Foley (Pride), Mia Kline (Selene), Elias Fernandez (Shafer) and Helen Turley (Mondavi). I am honored to be considered a peer of these winemakers.
Can you briefly tell us something about your three wine brands?
K wines are all single vineyard, small production wines that are foot-stomped, have naturally occurring (native) yeasts and basket pressed.
Charles Smith Wines: The Modernist Project wines are about putting as much into the bottle as possible. The intent is to create wines to be enjoyed now, but with typicity with regards to variety—that is merlot that tastes like merlot—and to the vineyard—wine that tastes like where it was grown. The wines are full of flavor, balanced, and true to their place of origin; land to hand, vineyard to bottle.
You seem to visit Japan quite often. Do you spend all of your time in Tokyo or manage to get around to other parts of the country as well?
So far I’ve only visited Tokyo, but this trip I am also going to Sapporo to ski which I am really looking forward to!
What do you most like about visiting Japan, and what do you typically do while you’re here?
EVERYTHING! I drink a LOT of great sake and have a really good time! My hosts are wicked good and I always make new friends – how can you NOT love it here?!
Where are your favorite places to hang out when in Tokyo?
Anyplace the serves sushi and sake!
You may know that Japan produces wine with both imported and indigenous grape varieties. Have you ever tried the local wine? If so, what did you think?
Not yet, but I’m looking forward to the chance….what do you recommend?
Tokyo is becoming recognized more and more as a Mecca for foodies and epicureans, and much of what makes it special is obviously the great Japanese cuisine available here. Do you make any wines that pair well with typical Japanese fare?
YES. Kung Fu Girl Riesling is awesome….and when you need a huge 16% syrah with your yakitori or tempura we can rock that too!
What are your favorite Tokyo restaurants, and what do you like about them?
Tenshin has amazing tempura that I love paired with a couple bottles of white burgundy - actually sometimes it’s more than a couple bottles….tono;4122 - Satoshi and Junko totally rock…. and I love to wander around and find new stuff…or sit at the counter at Robuchon and drink wine, that doesn’t exactly suck!
Can you tell us about some of your favorite Japanese foods, and what you like to drink with them?
Sushi and sashimi – and there is nothing better Japanese sake….did I mention I love sake?
Among your own wines, which are your personal favorites?
Kung Fu Girl obviously, and Eve Chardonnay is an awesome wine, especially with the local food….and of course any single vineyard syrah – it depends on my mood.
What can we expect from Charles Smith and his wines in the coming year or two?
That’s a secret….but you’ll be the first to know….and I will be back!!
Meet Charles this Friday at ROTI Roppongi!
Join Charles Smith of K Vinters and Charles Smith Wines for a special
Happy Hour from 5:30 to 7:30 on Friday, January 22nd at Roti Roppongi.
Chef Ian Tozer will be providing some of his delicious appetizers and
the wine will be flowing, so start your weekend early and welcome
Charles to Japan with us!
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