Kataoka Merlot French Oak

About this wine

Kataoka Merlot French Oak is Domaine KOSEI's flagship red, made from 100% estate-grown Merlot cultivated in the Kataoka district of Shiojiri, Nagano, at roughly 700 meters altitude. After fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, the wine matures for about 11 months in new French oak barrels sourced from several different coopers (Sylvain, Nadalie, Remond, and Marsannay), whose distinct characters combine to build a layered, complex bouquet. The wine is bottled unfiltered, without fining or heat treatment, preserving its full texture and aromatic depth.

Sommelier's Note

"Blending new French oak barrels from four different coopers to build complexity is a technique rarely seen in Japanese winemaking — it gives this Kataoka Merlot a layered spice-and-vanilla depth that rewards a few years of cellaring."

Food Pairings

Excellent with beef steak topped with tapenade, roasted duck or lamb, and mushroom-based dishes. Its soft tannins and sweet oak spice also make it a natural match for Japanese soy- and miso-based cooking, such as tare-glazed yakitori, sukiyaki, or simmered dishes.

When to drink it

Special dinners, celebratory gifts for wine enthusiasts, and pairing with Japanese-style grilled or simmered meat dishes.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Merlot

Style

Red

Price Range

¥3,900-4,700

Terroir & Winemaking

100% estate-grown Merlot from the Kataoka district (Shiojiri, Nagano, ~700m altitude), planted on former mulberry fields. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, then aged approximately 11 months in new French oak barrels blended from multiple coopers (Sylvain, Nadalie, Remond, Marsannay) for added complexity. Bottled unfiltered, without fining or heat treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kataoka Merlot French Oak taste like?

Expect concentrated dark fruit such as black cherry and plum, layered with vanilla, sweet spice, and a hint of cedar from the new French oak, all wrapped in smooth, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.

What food pairs best with this wine?

It pairs beautifully with beef steak and tapenade, roasted duck or lamb, and umami-rich Japanese dishes like tare-glazed yakitori or sukiyaki.

How is this wine different from Domaine KOSEI's American Oak version?

Both start from the same estate-grown Kataoka Merlot, but the French Oak bottling is aged in new French oak barrels blended from multiple coopers, giving a more refined, elegant spice profile compared to the bolder, sweeter character typical of American oak.

Is this wine ready to drink now, or should it be cellared?

It is approachable on release, but reviewers note it continues to develop for several years as the wine and French oak aromas integrate further, gaining even more depth and harmony.