About Suehiro Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥5,500
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Suehiro Merlot is a single-varietal Merlot from Grandvert Vineyard's own vineyards in Yamanashi Prefecture, blending fruit from the sun-drenched Hosaka district of Nirasaki City with grapes grown in the granite soils of Hakushu, Hokuto City, at roughly 730 meters above sea level. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in new French oak barrels, the wine is named "Suehiro" (an open folding fan) — a traditional Japanese motif symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, as a fan's ribs spread outward like ever-widening success. The 2022 vintage won a bronze medal in the European Varieties Red category at the Japan Wine Competition 2024. It shows aromas of plum, cherry, and vanilla, with fine-grained tannins, crisp acidity, a medium-full body, and a long finish. The 2022 vintage is now sold out.
Don't let the modest price fool you — this bronze medal-winning Merlot proves that Yamanashi's high-altitude granite soils can produce serious, cellar-worthy red wine.
New to wine?
A great entry point into Yamanashi Merlot — smooth, fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity make it approachable even for red-wine beginners.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with a wide range of meat dishes and Japanese cuisine, from grilled red meats to shoyu-based dishes such as sukiyaki. The wine's structure also rewards cellaring, deepening over 5-8 years.
When to drink it
A versatile dinner wine for meat-centered meals and celebrations, or as a gift showcasing an award-winning Japanese Merlot.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from Nirasaki-Hosaka and Hakushu (Hokuto City, ~730m elevation, granite soil). Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in new French oak barrels. ABV 12.5%. Recommended cellar window 5-8 years; serve at 16-18°C. Bronze medal, Japan Wine Competition 2024 (European Varieties Red category).
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Suehiro Merlot taste like?
- It shows aromas of plum, cherry, and vanilla, with fine-grained tannins, crisp acidity, and a medium-full body that finishes long.
- What food pairs well with Suehiro Merlot?
- It pairs well with a wide range of meat dishes and Japanese cuisine, including grilled red meats and shoyu-based dishes such as sukiyaki.
- Has Suehiro Merlot won any awards?
- Yes. The 2022 vintage won a bronze medal in the European Varieties Red category at the Japan Wine Competition 2024.
- What is the difference between Suehiro Merlot and Suehiro Merlot Barrel Selection?
- Suehiro Merlot is the winery's standard-release Merlot, sourced from Nirasaki-Hosaka and Hakushu vineyards and aged in new French oak. The Barrel Selection is a rarer, winery-exclusive cuvée made from only three specially chosen barrels and aged for 21 months, giving it greater concentration and long-term aging potential.
- What is the meaning behind the name "Suehiro"?
- "Suehiro" refers to an open folding fan, a traditional Japanese motif symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, since its ribs spread outward like ever-widening success.
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