About this wine
100% Merlot from the Tsugane vineyard at 800m elevation. Shows faded rose aromas and delicate tannins, fresh and approachable. Production: 200–1,967 bottles depending on vintage.
Soft and round like a great Merlot, yet with the translucent clarity that only natural winemaking can bring. Not too heavy, not too light — a beautifully balanced entry point into Japan's finest natural wines.
Sommelier's Note
"An essential experience for any serious collector of Japanese wine. Eishi Okamoto's 100% Merlot from the Tsugane vineyard at 800m elevation is the definitive expression of Japanese terroir — minimal intervention, extraordinary precision, and a profound sense of place that transcends global benchmarks."
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roasted duck, earthy mushroom dishes, and grilled venison. Its refined structure also complements traditional Japanese cuisine such as soy-sauce-based simmered dishes or charcoal-grilled unagi.
When to drink it
Best reserved for special celebrations, intimate dinners with wine enthusiasts, or as a centerpiece for a high-end Japanese kaiseki meal.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Style
- Red, natural
- Alcohol
- 11.0
- Price Range
- ¥30,000-50,000 (secondary market / auction price)
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from the Tsugane vineyard at approximately 800m elevation in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Hand-harvested and hand-destemmed. Basket-pressed. Natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts; no temperature control. Minimal or no sulfur addition. Aged in oak barrels. Gravity bottling; unfined and unfiltered. Production varies between 200 and 1,967 bottles per vintage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it taste like?
- Delicate aromas of plum, violet, and rose with hints of blueberry. Soft tannins, bright acidity, medium body, and a clean, refreshing finish typical of natural Merlot at high altitude.
- When is the best time to drink it?
- Delicious upon release, but also has the structure to age gracefully for 5–10 years in a proper cellar.
- How can I get a bottle?
- Beau Paysage produces fewer than 10,000 bottles per year across all cuvées. This wine is distributed exclusively to select natural wine bars and restaurants in Japan, and rarely appears on the open market.
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Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
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