Jyonohira Ortus
城の平 オルトゥス
Chateau Mercian
Cabernet Sauvignon · Merlot · Cabernet Franc
About this wine
Jyonohira Ortus is the icon-tier Bordeaux-style red from Chateau Mercian's own Jyonohira Vineyard in the Katsunuma district of Koshu, Yamanashi. Planted with vertical shoot positioning in 1984 at 550-600m elevation on clay soil, the vineyard is considered the origin of Mercian's modern viticulture, which is exactly what the Latin name 'Ortus' ('origin') refers to. A finely balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, it shows a garnet color with cassis and black cherry fruit layered with cedar, tobacco, and forest-floor notes from bottle age, plus vanilla and chocolate nuances from French oak aging. Vivid acidity and smooth, elegant tannins give it a long, refined finish, making it one of the benchmark Bordeaux-style reds of Japan.
A flagship Japanese Bordeaux-style red — decant an hour before serving to let its layered aromas fully open up.
Sommelier's Note
"One of the defining benchmarks for Japanese Bordeaux-style blends — a must-try for any serious collector of Japanese wine."
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roasted venison, grilled beef fillet with mushroom sauce, and premium wagyu steak. Its structured tannins also stand up well to rich, umami-driven Japanese dishes such as sukiyaki and simmered beef.
When to drink it
Ideal for milestone celebrations, formal dinners, or as a prestigious gift for wine collectors.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥15,000-17,000
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are hand-harvested from the estate's Jyonohira Vineyard (550-600m elevation, clay soil, vertical shoot positioning since 1984). Fermented in small tanks with extended maceration, then aged in French oak barrels for roughly 18-24 months depending on vintage before bottling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Jyonohira Ortus taste like?
- It shows concentrated cassis and black cherry fruit with cedar, tobacco, and forest-floor notes from bottle age, plus vanilla and chocolate from oak aging, framed by smooth, elegant tannins and a long finish.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Roasted venison, beef fillet with mushroom sauce, and premium wagyu steak, as well as umami-rich Japanese dishes like sukiyaki.
- Why is it called 'Ortus'?
- 'Ortus' means 'origin' in Latin, referring to the Jyonohira Vineyard's role as the birthplace of Chateau Mercian's modern vertical-shoot-positioning viticulture, which began there in 1984.
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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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シャトー・メルシャン 椀子シラー
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北信カベルネ・ソーヴィニヨン
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