About this wine
Château Mercian Mariko Winery Merlot is the flagship red wine of the Mariko Vineyard in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, made from 100% estate-grown Merlot. Hand-harvested from vines rooted in the region's low-rainfall, clay-rich terroir, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel and wooden vats at 25-30°C for roughly two weeks before aging around a year in French oak barrels. The result is a deep ruby-red wine of remarkable concentration, marrying ripe, almost jammy black fruit with the structure and tannic power that has made Mariko Merlot one of the benchmark wines of Japanese viticulture.
A powerful yet approachable red that's a perfect first step into premium Japanese Merlot.
Sommelier's Note
"This is the wine that proves Japanese Merlot can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's best — concentrated, structured, and utterly serious."
Food Pairings
Its dense tannins and dark fruit call for grilled red meats — try it with a well-seared ribeye, lamb chops, or beef in tapenade sauce — as well as aged hard cheeses and mushroom-based dishes.
When to drink it
Suited to celebratory dinners, steak nights, and gifting to wine enthusiasts who want to discover Japan's finest Merlot.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥5,000-7,000
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot, hand-harvested from the Mariko Vineyard's clay-based soils. Fermented in stainless steel and wooden vats at 25-30°C for about two weeks, then aged roughly 11-14 months in French oak barrels (a mix of new and 2nd/3rd-fill 300L barriques) to build structure while preserving fruit purity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Mariko Merlot taste like?
- Expect a deep ruby-red wine with ripe, almost jammy notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and wild strawberry, layered with vanilla and cedar from oak aging, refreshing acidity, and powerful, dense tannins that linger in a long finish.
- Is it 100% Merlot?
- Yes — unlike Château Mercian's Mariko Omnis blend, this cuvée is made entirely from Merlot grown in the Mariko Vineyard.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Grilled red meats, lamb, and beef in red wine or tapenade sauce are classic matches, while soy-glazed yakitori and mushroom rice make for excellent washoku pairings.
- What makes the Mariko Vineyard special?
- Located on the Jinba plateau in Ueda City, Nagano, the vineyard's low rainfall and clay-rich soil concentrate the Merlot grapes, giving the wine its signature power and structure.
- How long can it be aged?
- It drinks well on release but has the tannic structure to reward 5-10 years of cellaring.
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シャトー・メルシャン 椀子ワイナリー ソーヴィニヨン・ブラン
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WhiteSauvignon Blanc
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シャトー・メルシャン 椀子シラー
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RedSyrah
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北信カベルネ・ソーヴィニヨン
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RedCabernet Sauvignon
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北信シャルドネ
Hokushin Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
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