Château Mercian Mariko Winery Chardonnay

About this wine

From Château Mercian's dedicated Mariko Winery facility in Nagano's Ueda area, this Chardonnay showcases the cool-climate character of Japan's high-altitude wine regions.

Sommelier's Note

"One of Japan's benchmark barrel-fermented Chardonnays — proof that Nagano's high-altitude terroir can rival serious New World Chardonnay at a fraction of the price."

Food Pairings

Pairs wonderfully with salmon meunière, creamy pasta, and roast chicken with a mushroom cream sauce. Also excellent with grilled white fish, scallops, and soft cheeses like Camembert.

When to drink it

Special dinners, gifting to wine lovers, and pairings with creamy or grilled Japanese-style dishes.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

Style

White

Price Range

¥3,600-4,400

Terroir & Winemaking

Made from 100% Chardonnay grown at the estate-owned Mariko Vineyard on the Jinba plateau in Ueda City, Nagano. Fermented at 18-20°C for about two weeks using a mix of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, then aged roughly three months in stainless steel and oak.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mariko Chardonnay taste like?

Bright pineapple and lemon fruit layered with vanilla, almond, and toasty barrel notes, backed by firm mineral acidity and a dry, clean finish.

What food pairs best with it?

Salmon meunière, creamy pasta, and roast chicken with mushroom sauce are classic matches; it also works well with grilled white fish and soft cheeses.

What is the ideal serving temperature?

Serve slightly warmer than a typical white wine, around 10-15°C, to let its barrel-derived aromas open up.

Where are the grapes grown?

100% Chardonnay grown at the estate-owned Mariko Vineyard on the Jinba plateau in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture.