About Juvenil Merlot Cabernet
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- Price Range
- ¥3,190
- tax included, official price
- Alcohol
- 12
Juvenil, meaning 'youthful' in French, is a red blend from Arc-en-Vigne made using grapes grown by graduates of the Chikuma River Wine Academy. Primarily Merlot, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it is aged in oak barrels for around 7 months. The result is a soft, gentle, well-balanced red that reflects the fresh character of young vines while gaining smoothness from its time in wood — an approachable expression of Nagano's Chikuma River Valley terroir.
A gentle, well-rounded introduction to Nagano's Chikuma River Valley — proof that Arc-en-Vigne's academy-trained growers can already turn out serious, drinkable wine.
New to wine?
A soft, easy-drinking entry point into Japanese red wine at an accessible price.
Food Pairings
Its soft tannins and balanced acidity pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and mushroom dishes. It also matches Japanese cuisine nicely, such as soy-sauce-based simmered dishes (nikujaga) or grilled eel with tare sauce.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners, everyday pairing with Japanese home cooking, or as a friendly gift.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are sourced from vineyards managed by graduates of the Chikuma River Wine Academy. Fermented and aged in oak barrels for approximately 7 months to soften tannins and add depth.
About the producer
Arc-en-VigneThe nursery winery raising Nagano's next generation of winemakers.東御市, 長野県 · Founded 2015Visit the producer page →More wines from Arc-en-Vigne
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes are used in Juvenil Merlot Cabernet?
- It is a blend led by Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, all grown by graduates of the Chikuma River Wine Academy.
- What does it taste like?
- A soft, medium-bodied red with gentle tannins and fresh red-fruit character, rounded out by about 7 months of oak aging.
- What food pairs well with it?
- It pairs well with grilled meats and mushroom dishes, and also with Japanese soy-sauce-based simmered dishes or grilled eel.
- Is this a good wine for beginners?
- Yes — its soft tannins, approachable price (around ¥3,190), and easy-drinking style make it a friendly entry point into Japanese red wine.
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