What does it taste like?

Dark berry fruit and a nutty, almond-like note lead into a gentle, well-balanced palate of tannin, acidity and fruit, with a savory, dashi-like umami that gradually spreads.

Does it contain added sulfites?

No — it is bottled with no added sulfites (SO2-free), and is also unfiltered and unfined.

What food does it pair with?

It pairs beautifully with red meats like beef tataki and game, umami-rich fish such as tuna and bonito, and Japanese home-style dishes like simmered vegetables.

CuvéeNiigataRed

Please don't be sad

悲しまないで

Hakko Chaud

About Please don't be sad

Style: Red
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon
Price Range: ¥4,000-4,600
Alcohol: 11%

Please don't be sad is one of Hakko Chaud's (formerly Domaine Chaud) signature red cuvées, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from contract growers in Niigata. The winemaker's aim is a liquid that recalls Japanese dashi broth or dobin-mushi — a fine yet unmistakably present line of flavor. Fermented with both wild and cultured yeast, aged in barrel, and bottled unfiltered and unfined with no added sulfites, it shows aromas of dark berry fruit and a nutty, almond-like note, with tannin, acidity and fruit held in gentle, well-balanced proportion. It is a soft, graceful ('taoyaka') red that gradually reveals a deep savory umami on the palate.

Sommelier's Note

This is Cabernet Sauvignon reimagined through a Japanese lens — its delicate, dashi-like umami is a quiet rebuttal to everything you thought you knew about the grape.

New to wine?

A red wine that overturns the 'red wine = tannic and heavy' assumption — gentle, umami-rich and easy to love from the first sip.

Food Pairings

A natural match for red meats such as beef tataki, venison and other game, and for umami-forward seafood like tuna or bonito. Its gentle tannin and dashi-like savoriness also make it a surprisingly versatile partner for Japanese home cooking.

When to drink it

Ideal for a quiet dinner at home, a moment of self-care at the end of the day, or a thoughtful gift for someone who loves natural, low-intervention wine.

Terroir & Winemaking

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown by contract farmers in Niigata Prefecture. Fermented using both wild and cultured yeast, with a small amount of added sugar to sustain fermentation (chaptalization). Aged in oak barrel. Bottled unfiltered and unfined, with no added sulfites (SO2-free). 750ml.

About the producer

Hakko ChaudCrafting expressive, terroir-driven wines in Niigata.新潟市, 新潟県Visit the producer page →

More wines from Hakko Chaud

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grape is Please don't be sad made from?: It is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown by contract farmers in Niigata Prefecture.
What does it taste like?: Dark berry fruit and a nutty, almond-like note lead into a gentle, well-balanced palate of tannin, acidity and fruit, with a savory, dashi-like umami that gradually spreads.
Does it contain added sulfites?: No — it is bottled with no added sulfites (SO2-free), and is also unfiltered and unfined.
What food does it pair with?: It pairs beautifully with red meats like beef tataki and game, umami-rich fish such as tuna and bonito, and Japanese home-style dishes like simmered vegetables.

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