About this wine
Sekki Red is the signature red wine of Agricore Echigo Winery, crafted from 100% Merlot grown in Minamiuonuma, Niigata—Japan's legendary snow country. The wine is aged in the winery's yukimuro (snow cellar), where up to 250 tons of packed snow keep the cellar at a stable ~5°C year-round without mechanical refrigeration, while an adjacent barrel room holds steady at ~15°C. This gentle, low-stress aging environment preserves delicate aromatics and produces a dry, medium-bodied red with soft tannins and bright red-fruit character. At 12% ABV, it is best enjoyed at 14–16°C and reflects the winery's four-decade-plus philosophy: 'snow nurtures, snow protects, snow ages' the wine.
A gentle, approachable red with soft tannins—an easy first step into Japanese red wine for those wary of heavier, tannic reds.
Sommelier's Note
"Proof that snow country can produce elegant Merlot: the yukimuro's stress-free, ultra-stable cold keeps this wine soft, fresh, and remarkably food-friendly—a Niigata classic worth seeking out."
Food Pairings
Versatile with both Western and Japanese cuisine: grilled or roasted meats, aged hard cheeses, simmered dishes (nimono), sukiyaki, grilled fish, oden, and even tuna sushi (akami/chutoro) thanks to its soft tannins and bright acidity.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners, casual gatherings, and as a distinctive gift showcasing the culture of Japan's snow country.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥2,200-3,000
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from Minamiuonuma, Niigata. Dry, medium-bodied. ABV 12%. Aged in a yukimuro (snow cellar) maintained at ~5°C using up to 250 tons of natural snow, with barrel aging in an adjacent room at ~15°C. Recommended serving temperature 14–16°C. The natural cooling system reduces reliance on mechanical refrigeration and electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Sekki Red taste like?
- It's a dry, medium-bodied Merlot with soft tannins, bright red-fruit character, and a soft, harmonious aroma shaped by low-temperature snow-cellar aging.
- What food pairs well with Sekki Red?
- It pairs beautifully with both Western dishes (grilled meats, aged hard cheeses) and Japanese cuisine such as simmered dishes, sukiyaki, grilled fish, oden, and tuna sushi.
- What is special about how Sekki Red is made?
- It is aged in a yukimuro (snow cellar) that stores up to 250 tons of natural snow to hold a steady ~5°C year-round, with barrel aging in an adjacent 15°C room—an eco-friendly, low-intervention method unique to Japan's snow country.
- What is the best serving temperature?
- Serve slightly chilled at around 14–16°C to enhance its soft tannins and fresh fruit character.
- Is Sekki Red a good choice for wine beginners?
- Yes—its soft tannins and approachable, medium-bodied profile make it a friendly entry point into Japanese red wine.
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