About Hanabishi Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Price Range
- ¥3,800-4,450
Hanabishi is Grandvert Vineyard's flagship red blend, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the winery's own vineyards in Hakushu, Hokuto City and Hosaka, Nirasaki City in Yamanashi Prefecture. Each variety is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and then aged in oak barrels for approximately 12 to 15 months before blending, a process that varies slightly by vintage. The wine combines Merlot's gentle, deep tannins with Cabernet Sauvignon's structural power, finishing with a note reminiscent of bitter chocolate and a long, evolving aftertaste.
A well-balanced Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend that reflects the diurnal temperature swings of the Yatsugatake foothills — the high-altitude Hakushu fruit brings elegance while Hosaka fruit adds structure.
New to wine?
An approachable entry point into Japanese red wine, with smooth tannins and a balanced structure that isn't overly heavy.
Food Pairings
A versatile food wine that pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, beef dishes, and umami-rich Japanese cuisine such as tuna zuke (soy-marinated sashimi) or sansho-simmered beef.
When to drink it
Well suited to special dinners, gifts, or an evening pairing with a slightly elevated home-cooked meal.
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are estate-grown in Hakushu (Hokuto City) and Hosaka (Nirasaki City), Yamanashi. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, then barrel-aged for approximately 12-15 months (duration varies by vintage) before blending. The blend ratio of the two varieties is adjusted each vintage.
About the producer
Grandvert VineyardA farm-style winery at the foot of Yatsugatake, opened 2024.北杜市, 山梨県 · Founded 2024Visit the producer page →More wines from Grandvert Vineyard
- Aoi Muscat Bailey A 2023Red · Muscat Bailey A
- Aoi Muscat Bailey A Barrel Selection 2023Red · Muscat Bailey A
- Awaji-Yui ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- Koshu 2025 Étude II - Cold FermentationWhite · Koshu
- Koshu Étude I - Skin ContactWhite · Koshu
- Rosé Sakura MerlotRosé · Merlot
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape varieties are used in Hanabishi?
- It is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in Grandvert Vineyard's own vineyards in Hakushu and Hosaka, Yamanashi.
- What does Hanabishi taste like?
- It has silky, smooth tannins and bright acidity, with a bittersweet note reminiscent of dark chocolate and a long, evolving finish.
- What food pairs well with Hanabishi?
- It pairs well with roasted or grilled meats and umami-rich Japanese dishes such as soy-marinated tuna sashimi (zuke).
- How is Hanabishi made?
- Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, then aged in oak barrels for about 12-15 months before blending.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier