About Cuvée Kuniko
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Price Range
- ¥8,000-9,000
Cuvée Kuniko — labeled simply "Kuni" (邦) — was the inaugural release of Inishie no Sato Winery's Famille series, the winery's top tier above its standard four-season lineup, bottled only in years the winemaker judges climatically and stylistically excellent enough to carry a family member's name. Released in June 2021 from the 2018 vintage, it blends 92% Merlot with 8% Cabernet Franc grown in the high-elevation Kitaono district (roughly 850m) of the Kikyogahara wine valley in Shiojiri, Nagano. The wine spent 12 months in barrel (30% new American oak, 70% aged French oak) followed by 18 months of bottle aging before release, and went on to earn an Award of Merit at the International Wine Challenge 2021.
The first chapter of the Famille series and still its benchmark — concentrated dark fruit, espresso, and spice wrapped in fine-grained tannin, it's the wine that proved this high-elevation Shiojiri vineyard could rival imported Bordeaux blends at the same price point.
New to wine?
A great first step into serious Japanese red blends — full-bodied but with soft, approachable tannins rather than a heavy, tannic wall.
Food Pairings
A structured, food-friendly Bordeaux-style blend that suits grilled or roasted red meat, herb-crusted lamb, and rich mushroom dishes; the espresso and spice notes also make it a natural match for beef simmered in demi-glace or miso-based stews.
When to drink it
Special dinners, anniversary tables, and occasions that call for a limited-production flagship red — this Famille series wine is only made in years the winery considers exceptional.
Terroir & Winemaking
Merlot 92% / Cabernet Franc 8% from the Kitaono district (approx. 850m elevation) of Shiojiri's Kikyogahara valley. Aged 12 months in barrel (30% new American oak, 70% aged French oak), then 18 months in bottle before release. Awarded an Award of Merit at the International Wine Challenge 2021.
About the producer
Inishie no Sato WineryChef-turned-vintner's wines from Shiojiri's highest vines塩尻市, 長野県 · Founded 2017Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape varieties are in Cuvée Kuniko?
- It is a Bordeaux-style blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, grown in the Kitaono district of Shiojiri's Kikyogahara wine valley at roughly 850 meters elevation.
- What does Cuvée Kuniko taste like?
- It shows concentrated dark fruit aromas with notes of espresso and spice, delicate fine-grained tannins, and a balanced structure of sweetness and acidity — a full-bodied, dry red.
- Is Cuvée Kuniko part of a series?
- Yes — it was the first release (2018 vintage, bottled June 2021) in Inishie no Sato Winery's Famille series, a premium tier above the winery's standard four-season lineup, made only in years the winemaker judges exceptional and named after family members.
- Has Cuvée Kuniko won any awards?
- It received an Award of Merit at the International Wine Challenge 2021.
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