VDP:Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Koichi Tanabe: I read a book while studying to become a sommelier and became intrigued by its fascinating terroirs and styles.

VDP:Your first encounter with German wines?

Koichi Tanabe: I tried it while studying to become a sommelier and was deeply moved by its elegance.

VDP:What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Koichi Tanabe: When I was the head sommelier at a restaurant, I often served my favorite Silvaner wine from Franken, Germany, by the glass or as a pairing. I remember the conversations I often had with guests about the VDP mark on the bottleneck. When I visited Germany in 2017, I was delighted to meet many VDP producers who produce high-quality wines.

VDP:How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Koichi Tanabe: I always have at least ten bottles stocked in my home cellar.

VDP:What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Koichi Tanabe: I'm particularly fascinated by the excellent Riesling from Egon Muller's Scharzhofberg.

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Koichi Tanabe: I love Riesling and Spätburgunder, of course, but Grauburgunder is one of my favorite varieties, even though it's not widely available in Japan yet. I'm also drawn to its unique ripe fruit flavor and how well it pairs with oak.