At a depth of 15 meters. A special wine slowly aged on the seabed of the beautiful waters of Southern Izu.｜SUBRINA

SUBRINA

A Unique Wine Aged on the Seabed

Common Sense, the company behind the seabed-aged wine "SUBRINA" from the beautiful waters of Southern Izu, has announced "ACT4 2020," the fourth installment in the "SUBRINA" series. Pre-orders begin Tuesday, June 21st, with shipping to commence sequentially from the release date, Monday, July 11th.

Text by HIDAKA Saki

Aged in the Ocean's Embrace: Smooth Aromas from the Deep

Since 2011, Common Sense has dedicated several years to researching the transformative effects of aging various alcoholic beverages on the seabed. This project culminated in the creation of "SUBRINA," a wine aged beneath the waves.

Stored in a unique underwater cellar off the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, an area renowned for its pristine waters, this wine has garnered attention on television and YouTube. Over the past decade, the company has released "ACT1 2011," "ACT2 2016," and "ACT3 2019," all of which sold out completely.

The newly released "ACT4 2020" is a Syrah red wine that was aged for approximately seven months on the seabed of Southern Izu before being retrieved in June 2022. This wine originates from "Graceland Vineyards," a winery situated in the Stellenbosch Golden Triangle region of South Africa, internationally recognized for its exceptional terroir for red wines.

At a depth of 15 meters. A special wine slowly aged on the seabed of the beautiful waters of Southern Izu｜SUBRINA

This region has gained popularity in recent years for its soil, ideal for grape cultivation. Located on a gentle, south-facing slope at an elevation of 250 meters, it benefits from high sun exposure. Thanks to the cooling winds from the Cape Doctor, the climate remains cool and dry even during the hot summer months, offering a distinct advantage over lower-lying areas.

In this optimal environment, the Syrah grapes mature, developing rich, concentrated fruit flavors and soft tannins, while the cool nighttime temperatures preserve their acidity. Following a meticulous hand-harvest, the Syrah is fermented using natural, artisanal methods, eschewing pesticides and machinery, to create the distinctive "SUBRINA" wine.

The aging site is off the coast of Nakaguro, at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula, an area known for its exceptionally clear waters and rough seas in winter. This turbulent ocean environment influences the wine in the bottles, while the cold water flowing from the Nakaguro River maintains a low temperature, creating an ideal condition for wine maturation.

The seabed aging process is conducted in winter in collaboration with local divers. This initiative aims to foster the sustainable development of the region by creating new forms of diving experiences and services while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

The resulting wine, influenced by the unique underwater environment, possesses a solid structure yet exhibits a smooth, elegant character with refined aromas—the hallmark of "SUBRINA."

The striking bottle design is another noteworthy feature. Adorned with marine life such as barnacles and calcareous algae—a testament to its seabed aging—each bottle is unique, making it a truly one-of-a-kind wine. It is an ideal gift for loved ones on occasions like birthdays or milestone celebrations, or as a thoughtful gesture for mid-year or year-end gifts, as well as a perfect indulgence for oneself.

Seabed-Aged Wine SUBRINA ACT4 2020