About Kikyogahara Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥10,000-14,000
Kikyogahara Merlot has been produced by Château Mercian since its debut vintage in 1985, sourced from roughly 8 hectares of Merlot vines scattered across the Kikyogahara district of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture — the birthplace of Japanese Merlot. Made from 100% Merlot, it shows a deep purple color with aromas of cassis and blueberry that develop notes of tanned leather and leaf litter with bottle age. The palate is supple and full-bodied, with refined tannins and good acidity, and has long been regarded as one of Japan's benchmark red wines, distinct from the more limited-production, barrel-selected 'Kikyogahara Merlot Signature' bottling from the same producer.
One of the wines that put Japanese Merlot on the map — Kikyogahara Merlot has been a benchmark for nearly four decades, and it remains one of the most reliable ways to taste what Shiojiri's terroir can do.
New to wine?
A great entry point into Japanese Merlot — full-bodied but approachable, with soft tannins that won't overwhelm newcomers to red wine.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with beef stew, salt-and-pepper grilled beef steak, and grilled pork shoulder. Also complements braised meat dishes such as meatballs or hamburger steak slow-cooked until tender.
When to drink it
Well suited to steak dinners, milestone celebrations, and gifts for wine enthusiasts curious about Japanese red wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are hand-selected from vineyards across the Kikyogahara district and harvested in mid-October. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and wooden vats at around 28-30°C for roughly 14-15 days, followed by aging in oak barrels for about 18-19 months before bottling.
About the producer
Chateau MercianThe pioneer of Japanese fine wine, crafting terroir-driven masterpieces.甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1877Visit the producer page →More wines from Chateau Mercian
- Château Mercian Koshu KiirokaWhite · Koshu
- Château Mercian Mariko Winery ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- Château Mercian Mariko Winery MerlotRed · Merlot
- Château Mercian Mariko Winery Sauvignon BlancWhite · Sauvignon Blanc
- Château Mercian Mariko Winery SyrahRed · Syrah
- Hokushin Cabernet SauvignonRed · Cabernet Sauvignon
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Kikyogahara Merlot taste like?
- Deep purple in color, it offers aromas of cassis and blueberry that turn into tanned leather and leaf litter with age, on a full-bodied palate with refined tannins and balanced acidity.
- What food pairs best with Kikyogahara Merlot?
- It pairs well with beef stew, grilled beef steak, and grilled pork, as well as Japanese dishes with rich, savory sauces such as sukiyaki.
- Is Kikyogahara Merlot the same as Kikyogahara Merlot Signature?
- No. Kikyogahara Merlot is Château Mercian's standard Kikyogahara-district bottling, while 'Signature' is a separate, more limited, barrel-selected upper tier from the same vineyard area.
- How long can Kikyogahara Merlot be aged?
- It can be enjoyed on release but has the structure to develop gracefully over many years thanks to its firm tannins and balanced acidity.
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