About Anfora Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,960
- 750ml
Anfora Merlot is Grape Republic's amphora-fermented 100% Merlot, a notable departure from the winery's usual Yamagata-grown Delaware and Steuben since the fruit is sourced from Yamanashi Prefecture. Fully destemmed, the grapes are split into two separate lots macerated on their skins for 15 and 6 days respectively, then blended and fermented spontaneously with wild yeast entirely in Spanish terracotta amphorae. After about six months of amphora aging, the wine settles for several more months in stainless steel tank before bottling with no added sulfites, following Grape Republic's zero-zero, 'Made of 100% Grapes' philosophy. The result is a juicy, sweet-tart red with raspberry and dark cherry fruit, green herb aromatics, soft amphora-derived tannins, and an oolong-tea-like finish.
Most Japanese amphora wines lean white or rosé — Anfora Merlot is a rare amphora-aged Merlot, and the split-maceration blending shows real technical intent behind Grape Republic's zero-zero philosophy.
New to wine?
A soft, juicy amphora red with gentle tannins — an approachable way to try Japan's rare amphora-aged natural wines.
Food Pairings
The soft tannins and juicy sweet-tart fruit make this a flexible red for the table — try it with roasted duck breast, grilled mushrooms, or a charcuterie board. Its green-herb and tea-like notes also work well with Japanese dishes such as soy-glazed grilled eggplant, yakitori with negi, or miso-marinated black cod.
When to drink it
Great for casual dinners with grilled or roasted dishes, or as a conversation-starting bottle for natural wine tastings.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% destemmed Merlot grown in Yamanashi Prefecture. Two separate maceration lots (15 days and 6 days on skins) are blended and fermented entirely in Spanish terracotta amphorae with indigenous wild yeast. Aged roughly 6 months in amphora, then settled for several more months in stainless steel tank before bottling. No added sulfites, no fining or filtration beyond natural settling.
About the producer
Grape RepublicJapan's largest amphora-fermented, zero-additive natural wine producer南陽市, 山形県 · Founded 2017Visit the producer page →More wines from Grape Republic
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is used in Grape Republic's Anfora Merlot?
- It's made from 100% Merlot, sourced from Yamanashi Prefecture rather than the winery's home vineyards in Yamagata.
- How is Anfora Merlot made?
- Destemmed grapes are split into two lots macerated for 15 and 6 days on their skins, blended, and fermented entirely in Spanish terracotta amphorae with wild yeast, then aged about 6 months in amphora before settling in stainless steel tank.
- What does Anfora Merlot taste like?
- A juicy, sweet-tart red with raspberry and dark cherry fruit, green herb aromatics, soft amphora-derived tannins, and an oolong-tea-like finish.
- Is Anfora Merlot a natural wine?
- Yes — it ferments entirely with wild yeast in amphora and is bottled with no added sulfites, in line with Grape Republic's zero-zero, 'Made of 100% Grapes' approach.
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