Three of the best wines from Grace’s China and Japan wineries

In ancient Greek mythology, the Three Graces were goddesses who symbolised charm, grace and beauty. The wine world also has three Graces: Grace Family Vineyards, in Napa Valley, California; Grace Vineyard, in Shanxi province; and Grace Winery, in Yamanashi prefecture, Japan.

At the helm of Asia’s Graces are two talented young women whose wines personify the attributes of the Greek goddesses.

The Japanese Grace is a family-owned winery established in 1923 and run by Shigekazu Misawa. His daughter, Ayana, who studied oenology in Bordeaux, France, is responsible for winemaking.

It is best known for white wines made from indigenous koshu grapes, which have won numerous accolades. At the Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2016, the Grace Gris de Koshu 2015 won a platinum medal and was named Best in Show. Also not to be overlooked are its elegant Bordeaux blends.

China’s Grace was set up in 1997, in Taigu county, by Hong Kong businessman Chan Chun-keung as a family legacy. He is under no illusions. “Making high-quality wine is an arduous process that will take generations of effort and devotion,” he says.

Taigu was selected for its ideal climate conditions – wide-ranging diurnal temperature and low rainfall – and free-draining soils, similar to those of Bordeaux.