About CuFu Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,800 excl. tax / ¥4,180 incl. tax
CuFu Merlot is the flagship red under Hiruzen Wine's CuFu label, the Okayama winery's line dedicated to European Vitis vinifera varieties rather than its signature native Yamabudo. Vinified from 100% Merlot sourced from Shimane Prefecture, the 2023 vintage marks Hiruzen Wine's first vinifera red release and won Gold at the 2026 SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards and Bronze at the 2025 Japan Wine Challenge. It shows a deep, concentrated cherry-red color, an aromatic nose of cassis, licorice, and wild rose that develops vanilla and toasty oak notes with air, plus a hint of root-vegetable spice for elegance. On the palate it is smooth and full, with a sweetness of texture balanced by clean, precise acidity, and is built to reward further bottle aging.
Hiruzen Wine's first vinifera red proves this Yamabudo specialist can do international varieties too — layered cassis and toasty oak with the freshness only a cool, high-altitude site can give a Merlot.
New to wine?
A fruit-forward, smooth Merlot that's an easy bridge for drinkers moving from familiar international reds into Japanese wine.
Food Pairings
Pairs naturally with herb-roasted lamb or beef loin served with a cherry or cassis-fruit sauce, as recommended by Hiruzen Wine's own sommelier; also suits grilled red meats, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses.
When to drink it
A celebratory dinner featuring roasted lamb or beef, a gift for Merlot lovers curious about Japanese vinifera wine, or an evening meant for slow bottle-aging exploration.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from 100% Merlot grapes sourced from Shimane Prefecture — Hiruzen Wine's first release using Vitis vinifera grapes for a red wine, released under the winery's CuFu label alongside its Sauvignon Blanc and Koshu whites. 2023 vintage, 720ml bottle, priced at ¥3,800 excl. tax (¥4,180 incl. tax). Awarded Gold at the SAKURA Japan Women's Wine Awards 2026 and Bronze at the Japan Wine Challenge 2025.
About the producer
Hiruzen WinePioneer of Japan's native yamabudo wine on the Hiruzen Plateau since 1978.真庭市, 岡山県 · Founded 1987Visit the producer page →More wines from Hiruzen Wine
- CuFu KoshuWhite · Koshu
- Okayama PioneSweet · Pione
- San-za RedRed · Yama Sauvignon · Merlot · Muscat Bailey A · Yamabudo (Vitis coignetiae)
- San-za RoséRosé · Koshu · Yamabudo (Vitis coignetiae) · Sauvignon Blanc · Semillon · Pinot Gris
- Yamabudo RedRed · Yamabudo (Vitis coignetiae)
- Yamabudo Red 48-Month Barrel-Aged ReserveRed · Yamabudo (Vitis coignetiae)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CuFu Merlot made from grapes grown at Hiruzen Wine's own vineyard?
- No — the Merlot grapes are sourced from Shimane Prefecture, while Hiruzen Wine's estate vineyard on the Hiruzen Plateau is planted mainly to native Yamabudo. CuFu Merlot is vinified and bottled at the Hiruzen winery.
- What does CuFu Merlot taste like?
- Deep cherry-red in color with an aromatic nose of cassis, licorice, and wild rose that develops vanilla and toasted-oak notes with air; the palate is smooth and full-bodied with clean, precise acidity.
- What food pairs best with CuFu Merlot?
- Herb-roasted lamb or beef loin with a cherry or cassis sauce, as recommended by the winery's own sommelier, though grilled red meats and aged hard cheeses work well too.
- Is CuFu Merlot a 100% single-varietal wine?
- Yes. It is distinct from Hiruzen Wine's blended San-za Red, which uses Merlot only as a minor component alongside Yama Sauvignon, Muscat Bailey A, and native Yamabudo.
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