What does Domaine Echigo Merlot taste like?

It is dry and medium-bodied, with rich fruit aromas, soft tannins, and a well-balanced, lingering finish.

What food pairs best with it?

Richly seasoned dishes like Chinjao rosu or soy-glazed tsukune, as well as roasted meats and aged cheeses.

What makes this wine special?

It is made from 100% Merlot grown in the winery's own Kitasato vineyard and aged 12 months in oak barrels, and has won medals at the Japan Wine Competition in multiple vintages.

CuvéeNiigataRed

Domaine Echigo Merlot

ドメーヌ越後メルロー

Agricoa Echigo Winery

About Domaine Echigo Merlot

Style: Red
Grape Varieties: Merlot
Price Range: ¥6,000-7,000
Alcohol: 12%

Domaine Echigo Merlot is a premium single-varietal red wine crafted from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the winery's own Kitasato vineyard in Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture. Part of Agricoa Echigo Winery's estate-grown Domaine series, it uses only the finest grapes selected each vintage and is aged for 12 months in oak barrels, yielding a dry, medium-bodied wine with soft tannins and a lingering, elegant finish shaped by the terroir of Japan's snow country. It has earned medals at the Japan Wine Competition in multiple vintages, including a Silver Medal in the European Red Varieties category.

Sommelier's Note

A standout expression of estate-grown Merlot from Japan's snow country — the 12 months in oak give it real structure without losing its elegant, fruit-forward character. Well worth seeking out.

New to wine?

A sophisticated yet approachable Japanese Merlot with soft tannins — a great entry point into Japan's estate-grown red wines.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with richly seasoned dishes such as Chinjao rosu (stir-fried beef and peppers) and soy-glazed tsukune (chicken meatballs), as well as roasted meats, grilled lamb, and aged cheeses.

When to drink it

Ideal for special dinners, celebratory occasions, or as a gift for wine enthusiasts.

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Merlot from the winery's own Kitasato vineyard in Minamiuonuma. Hand-selected grapes from the best of each vintage, aged 12 months in oak barrels before bottling. ABV 12%. Dry, medium-bodied. 750ml.

About the producer

Agricoa Echigo WineryNiigata's snow-cellar pioneer of European wine grapes since 1975南魚沼市, 新潟県 · Founded 1975Visit the producer page →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Domaine Echigo Merlot taste like?: It is dry and medium-bodied, with rich fruit aromas, soft tannins, and a well-balanced, lingering finish.
What food pairs best with it?: Richly seasoned dishes like Chinjao rosu or soy-glazed tsukune, as well as roasted meats and aged cheeses.
What makes this wine special?: It is made from 100% Merlot grown in the winery's own Kitasato vineyard and aged 12 months in oak barrels, and has won medals at the Japan Wine Competition in multiple vintages.

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