About this wine
Château Mercian Mariko Winery Syrah is a single-vineyard red wine made from 100% Syrah grown in the Mariko Vineyard on the Jinba plateau in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. The vineyard's low rainfall, well-drained soil, and pronounced diurnal temperature swings produce a cool-climate Syrah with pronounced white and black pepper spice, violet aromatics, and dark berry fruit, framed by fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Since Château Mercian began planting the vineyard in 2003, Mariko has repeatedly been named one of Asia's top entries in the World's Best Vineyards ranking, and this Syrah has gone on to win medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards and International Wine Challenge, cementing its reputation as one of Japan's benchmark cool-climate Syrahs.
A great way to discover Japanese cool-climate Syrah — spicy and floral rather than jammy, with silky tannins that make it easy to enjoy even for red-wine beginners.
Sommelier's Note
"This is Japan's most decorated cool-climate Syrah — a wine that trades New World jam for Rhône-like peppery elegance, and it belongs on the table of anyone serious about Japanese wine."
Food Pairings
Its peppery spice and firm tannins make it a natural partner for grilled lamb, venison and other game, and black-pepper-crusted steak; it also stands up well to aged hard cheeses.
When to drink it
A celebratory bottle for special dinners, or a memorable gift for wine lovers curious about Japan's award-winning cool-climate reds.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Syrah
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥5,800-6,400
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Syrah, hand-harvested from the Mariko Vineyard. Aged for around 20 months in oak barrels, yielding a wine of roughly 12% ABV with a deep purple-red hue, white and black pepper spice, and notes of raspberry, cherry, blackcurrant, bitter chocolate and vanilla from the oak.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Mariko Syrah taste like?
- Expect a dark purple-red wine with white and black pepper spice, violet florals, and raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant fruit, finished with silky tannins and refreshing acidity.
- Is it 100% Syrah?
- Yes — it's made entirely from Syrah grown in the Mariko Vineyard in Ueda, Nagano, with no blending with other varieties.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Grilled lamb, venison and other game, and black-pepper-crusted steak are classic matches; in washoku, try it with simmered beef tendon (gyusuji) or sukiyaki.
- Has it won any awards?
- Yes — vintages have earned Silver medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge, and the Mariko Vineyard itself has repeatedly ranked among Asia's best in the World's Best Vineyards list.
- Where can I buy it?
- It's sold in limited quantities through select wine shops in the greater Tokyo/Koshinetsu area and online retailers such as IMADEYA and Shinanoya, though stock sells out quickly.
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シャトー・メルシャン 甲州きいろ香
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WhiteKoshu
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シャトー・メルシャン 椀子ワイナリー シャルドネ
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WhiteChardonnay
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シャトー・メルシャン 椀子メルロー
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RedMerlot
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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
Château Mercian Mariko Winery Sauvignon Blanc
WhiteSauvignon Blanc
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北信カベルネ・ソーヴィニヨン
Hokushin Cabernet Sauvignon
RedCabernet Sauvignon
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北信シャルドネ
Hokushin Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
Hokushin Chardonnay is Château Mercian's flagship terroir-driven white wine, made from Chardonnay grown on both banks of the Chikuma River in the Hokushin district of northern Nagano Prefecture (Suzaka City, Takayama Village, and Nagano City). Grapes from the sandy-gravel right bank contribute freshness and structure, while the clay-rich left bank lends tropical elegance; the two are fermented separately by plot and carefully blended. Fermentation takes place at 18-21°C over roughly two weeks, followed by around six months of aging in French oak barrels. The result is a bright, complex Chardonnay with tropical and citrus fruit, well-integrated oak, and a mineral, long finish that has repeatedly earned international medals.