About this wine
Part of the 'Migliore Amici' (Best Friends) series, made from Aglianico — a Southern Italian black grape rare in Japan — sourced through the winery's partnerships with growers outside Niigata. Vinified via direct pressing (rather than saignée) to produce a Chiaretto-style rosé with pronounced red-fruit (raspberry) aromas that showcase the grape's character.
An unusual, food-friendly rosé that introduces Aglianico in a bright, approachable style.
Sommelier's Note
"MON-MON is a small but telling proof that Aglianico can thrive far from Southern Italy — in the sand dunes of the Sea of Japan coast."
Food Pairings
Suited to charcuterie, tomato-based antipasti, and light grilled meats.
When to drink it
Aperitif or a light Italian-style meal
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Aglianico
- Style
- Rosé
- Price Range
- ¥2,500-3,500 (estimated from comparable Zio Setto rosé/white bottlings; exact retail price not confirmed)
Terroir & Winemaking
Aglianico grapes, direct-press vinification (not saignée), part of the Migliore Amici series.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Chiaretto MON-MON made from?
- Aglianico, a Southern Italian black grape variety still rare in Japan.
- Why is it called part of the 'Migliore Amici' series?
- The series name means 'Best Friends' in Italian and refers to wines made from grapes sourced through the winery's newer partnerships with growers outside Niigata.
- How is this rosé made?
- It is made via direct pressing rather than saignée, producing a Chiaretto-style rosé with pronounced raspberry aromas.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
ヴィーノ・ノヴェッロ
Vino Novello
RedZweigelt
A Novello-style young red made from estate-grown Zweigelt at Kakudahama. Vinified with short maceration to preserve fresh fruit character and released each year as the winery's new-vintage red, offering a balanced structure of tannin and acidity for easy, everyday drinking.
ヴィーノ・ビアンコ／ピアーノピアーノ
Vino Bianco Pianopiamo
WhiteNiagara · Chardonnay
A slightly dry white blending aromatic Niagara grapes with Chardonnay for added complexity. The Niagara brings tropical, muscat-like fruit aromas while Chardonnay contributes structure and a dry, mineral acidity with notes of pineapple and almond. ABV 10%.
ヴィーノ・チェラスオーロ
Vino Cerasuolo
RoséSteuben
Zio Setto's best-selling wine and one of the winery's signature bottlings, made from Steuben grapes sourced from Tsuruta, Aomori. Released every vintage since 2014, it shows a deep cherry-red hue with strawberry and Muscat-like aromas, a fresh acerola-fruit palate, and a distinctive savory, tomato-like umami note. ABV 12.5%. Selected for the book '99 Japanese Wines' (President Inc., 2017).
カンティーナ・ジーオセット／ツヴァイゲルト（旧称：ガッロヴェルデ）
Cantina Zio Setto Zweigelt (Gallo Verde)
RedZweigelt · Cabernet Sauvignon
The winery's core estate red, grown on its own vineyard at Kakudahama since 2013 and long known as 'Gallo Verde' (Green Rooster). From the 2021 vintage the label was renamed to 'Cantina Zio Setto/Zweigelt.' The 2023 vintage is a blend of 92% Zweigelt and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, ABV 12.5%.
ヴィーノ・ロッソ／ガッロヴェルデ・リゼルヴァ
Vino Rosso Gallo Verde Riserva
RedZweigelt
The winery's flagship special cuvée, made as a tribute to Amarone using an appassimento-inspired technique: late-harvested Zweigelt grapes from the estate at Kakudahama, some partially dried before pressing, to concentrate flavor and sugar. ABV 12%. In the rainy, lower-sunlight 2020 vintage, selective late harvesting and dried-grape additions were used to compensate for reduced ripeness and balance the elevated acidity.
チンクエウーヴァ・ドゥエテッレ／テッレニイガターネ
Cinque Uva Due Terre Terrani Igaratane
RedNebbiolo · Barbera · Cabernet Sauvignon
A Nebbiolo-based blend (with Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2019 vintage) named 'Terrani Igaratane,' a coined phrase meaning 'the land of Niigata,' expressing gratitude for the estate's terroir. Despite its pale color, it shows firm tannins, deep forest-floor and mushroom-like aromas, and a long finish; Barbera lends acidity while Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, producing a complex wine suited to extended aging.