About Coltrada Rouge.1
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Price Range
- ¥3,600-5,000
Coltrada Rouge.1 is the flagship red cuvée from Coltrada, the small husband-and-wife garage winery run by Kozo and Michiko Hosaka in Tetta, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture. Released as an annual vintage bottling (recent vintages include 2022, 2023 and 2024), it is a Merlot-dominant blend rounded out with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the plateau's limestone soils. The grapes undergo roughly three weeks of carbonic maceration followed by spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and about nine months of aging in used French oak barrels, with no sulfites or other additives. The result is a pale purple-hued red with lifted aromas of strawberry, cassis and strawberry jam, framed by bright acidity, savory depth and gentle, approachable tannins.
One of Okayama's most charming natural reds — Merlot-based but never heavy, with a carbonic-maceration lift that makes it dangerously easy to pour a second glass.
New to wine?
A friendly, easy-drinking entry point into Japanese natural wine — light in body, fruity, with soft tannins that won't intimidate a newcomer.
Food Pairings
A versatile food wine that loves rustic, savory dishes: grilled or roasted chicken, pork dishes glazed with soy or miso, and earthy mushroom preparations. It also works well lightly chilled alongside charcuterie or a simple tomato-based pasta.
When to drink it
Great for casual weeknight dinners, izakaya-style spreads, or a light chill on a warm evening with friends.
Terroir & Winemaking
Merlot-dominant blend with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from vines around a decade old on Coltrada's limestone-plateau vineyards in Tetta. Approximately three weeks of carbonic maceration precedes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by roughly nine months of élevage in used 228L French oak barrels. Bottled without added sulfites, reflecting the producer's grapes-only, minimal-intervention philosophy since the 2017 harvest. Released annually as a vintage-dated wine; recent vintages on the market include 2022, 2023 and 2024. 750ml bottle.
About the producer
ColtradaHusband-and-wife, additive-free winemaking on Niimi's limestone plateau新見市, 岡山県 · Founded 2013Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Coltrada Rouge.1 taste like?
- It shows a pale purple color with aromas of strawberry, cassis and strawberry jam, balanced by bright acidity and gentle, easy-drinking tannins.
- What grapes are used in Coltrada Rouge.1?
- It is a Merlot-dominant blend rounded out with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Coltrada's limestone-plateau vineyards in Tetta, Okayama.
- What food pairs well with this wine?
- Savory, umami-rich dishes work best — grilled chicken, soy- or miso-glazed pork, mushroom dishes, and simple tomato pastas.
- How is Coltrada Rouge.1 made?
- Grapes undergo about three weeks of carbonic maceration, then spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and roughly nine months of aging in used French oak barrels, bottled without added sulfites.
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