About Chichibu KARASAWA Merlot — Limousin Oak Aged
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥5,900-6,000
A single-vineyard Merlot from Chichibu Wine's estate-grown KARASAWA plot in Ogano, Chichibu, aged in French Limousin oak barrels — the same oak traditionally used for Cognac. This barrel treatment sets it apart from the winery's standard KARASAWA Merlot bottling: the Limousin oak lends a distinctive, softly toasted spice character that layers over the wine's deep ruby color and ripe black-fruit aromas, resulting in a full-bodied red with well-balanced acidity and tannin. The wine has been released across multiple vintages, including a 2015 bottling that won bronze in the European Varieties category at the Japan Wine Competition (JWC) 2017, and a 2020 vintage awarded bronze at JWC 2025.
This is the Limousin oak-aged expression of Chichibu Wine's KARASAWA Merlot — the French oak's soft, toasted spice is what distinguishes it from the winery's standard KARASAWA Merlot bottling, making it a must-try for anyone comparing how barrel choice shapes a single-vineyard Japanese Merlot.
New to wine?
An approachable but layered introduction to Japanese Merlot, where French oak adds gentle spice without overwhelming the fruit.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with roast beef, beef stew, roasted lamb, shrimp in chili sauce, and Peking duck, as well as aged cheeses such as Camembert and Petit Agour.
When to drink it
Suited to special dinners, celebratory meals, and gifting to wine lovers curious about Japanese oak-aged reds.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot grown in Chichibu Wine's own KARASAWA vineyard (Ryogami district, Ogano-machi, Chichibu). Aged in French Limousin oak barrels. Multiple vintages have been released under this label, including 2015 (also bottled with a 5th-generation label) and 2020; the 2015 vintage earned bronze in the European Varieties category at JWC 2017, and the 2020 vintage earned bronze at JWC 2025. Alcohol content is not disclosed on the producer's official product page.
About the producer
Chichibu WineSaitama's oldest winery, crafting the storied 'Gensaku-jirushi' wines since 1940.小鹿野町, 埼玉県 · Founded 1940Visit the producer page →More wines from Chichibu Wine
- Chichibu KARASAWA Merlot (Regular Bottling)Red · Merlot
- Chichibu KARASAWA RedRed · Cabernet Franc · Merlot · Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chichibu Wine CabernetRed · Cabernet Franc · Cabernet Sauvignon · Syrah
- Domaine Chichibu ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- Domaine Chichibu KARASAWARed · Cabernet Franc · Cabernet Sauvignon · Merlot
- Domaine Chichibu KARASAWA MerlotRed · Merlot
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is this different from the regular Chichibu KARASAWA Merlot?
- Both come from the same estate-grown KARASAWA vineyard and are 100% Merlot, but this bottling is specifically aged in French Limousin oak barrels, which add a distinctive soft, toasted spice character not present in the standard KARASAWA Merlot.
- What does it taste like?
- A full-bodied red with a deep ruby color, ripe black-fruit aromas, and a soft, toasted oak character from the Limousin barrels, with well-balanced acidity and tannin.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Rich dishes such as roast beef, beef stew, roasted lamb, and aged cheeses like Camembert, as well as Japanese dishes with sweet-savory sauces like sukiyaki or grilled eel.
- Has this wine won any awards?
- Yes — the 2015 vintage won bronze in the European Varieties category at the Japan Wine Competition (JWC) 2017, and the 2020 vintage won bronze at JWC 2025.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier