About this wine
Izutsu Merlot Barrel-aged is a full-bodied dry red wine made entirely from Merlot grapes grown on Izutsu Wine's estate and contracted vineyards around Shiojiri, Nagano. Fruit from three distinct sub-areas of the Kikyogahara appellation -- Kikyogahara proper, Naraigawa, and Iwatarihara -- is fermented separately, each lot aged for roughly 18 months in French oak barrels before final blending to balance the character of each site. The result is a soft, fruit-forward Merlot with added depth and richness from extended oak aging. The wine is certified as a GI Nagano Premium product, the appellation's highest quality tier, and has been awarded Silver (2012) and Gold (2015) at the Japan Wine Competition, cementing its reputation as one of the definitive barrel-aged Merlots of Japan.
A gentle, food-friendly introduction to Japanese oak-aged Merlot -- the tannins are soft and the oak is well-integrated rather than overpowering.
Sommelier's Note
"One of the benchmark barrel-aged Merlots from Nagano -- its Silver and Gold Japan Wine Competition medals are proof that Kikyogahara Merlot, given proper oak treatment, rivals far pricier international bottlings."
Food Pairings
The soft tannins and moderate oak character make this an easy match for grilled and roasted red meats, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses. It also pairs well with rich, umami-driven Japanese dishes.
When to drink it
Well suited to dinner with grilled or roasted meats, gifting to wine enthusiasts, or a quiet evening with a slightly special home-cooked meal.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 13.5
- Vintage
- 2021
- Price Range
- ¥4,000-4,500
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from estate and contracted vineyards in Shiojiri (Kikyogahara, Naraigawa, and Iwatarihara sub-areas), fermented separately by area, then aged approximately 18 months in French oak barrels before blending. Full-bodied, dry. GI Nagano Premium certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Izutsu Merlot Barrel-aged taste like?
- It shows aromas of blackberry and black cherry, with a soft, fruit-forward palate wrapped in medium, gentle tannins and added depth from about 18 months in French oak.
- How long is it aged, and in what kind of oak?
- Each of the three vineyard-area lots (Kikyogahara, Naraigawa, Iwatarihara) is aged separately for approximately 18 months in French oak barrels before being blended.
- What awards has it won?
- It received a Silver medal at the 2012 Japan Wine Competition and a Gold medal in 2015, and it carries GI Nagano Premium certification, the region's top quality designation.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Its soft tannins and oak depth pair naturally with grilled and roasted meats, mushroom dishes, and umami-rich Japanese fare like sukiyaki or grilled eel.
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Merlot Kikyogahara
RedMerlot
Izutsu Merlot Kikyogahara is the everyday-drinking expression of Merlot from Izutsu Wine, one of the founding wineries of Nagano's Kikyogahara district — Japan's most acclaimed appellation for the variety. The wine is made entirely from Merlot grown on the high river terrace on the right bank of the Narai River within Kikyogahara, and carries GI Nagano certification. Vinified without oak, as part of Izutsu's minimal-intervention, no-added-preservative series, it shows a deep ruby color, aromas of cassis and cherry with hints of violet and spice, and a soft, medium-bodied palate with gentle, well-integrated tannins. At around ¥2,550 for a 720ml bottle, it offers genuine Kikyogahara Merlot character at an accessible, everyday price.
井筒ワイン 無添加 生にごりワイン コンコード
Izutsu Additive-free Concord
RedConcord
Izutsu Additive-free Concord is a seasonal, unfiltered 'nama' (fresh) red wine made entirely from Concord grapes grown in Kikyogahara, Shiojiri, Nagano — the same appellation that produces Izutsu's celebrated Merlot. Bottled directly from the fermentation tank near the end of primary fermentation, with no added sulfites, no heat pasteurization, and only minimal filtration, it preserves the grape's raw, juice-like vibrancy. The result is a semi-sweet, cloudy (nigori) red with a distinctly grapey, candy-like aroma and a soft, easy-drinking palate. Because residual yeast activity continues in the bottle, it often carries a gentle natural spritz that can intensify with time and warmth, so it must be kept refrigerated (10°C or below) and is best enjoyed soon after purchase. Released once a year as a limited autumn 'shinshu' (new wine), it sells out quickly each season.
井筒シャルドネ
Izutsu Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
Izutsu Chardonnay is the entry-level, unoaked dry white from Izutsu Wine, one of Nagano's oldest and most decorated wineries, based in the Kikyogahara district of Shiojiri. The grapes are grown on volcanic clay-loam soils shaped by ash from Mt. Norikura and Mt. Ontake, which naturally produce high acidity; malolactic fermentation softens this into a clean, well-balanced dry white. Vinified without oak to preserve varietal purity, it shows a crisp, precise profile with green apple and citrus notes, gentle fruit weight, and a refreshing mineral finish. The wine is GI Nagano certified and won a Silver Medal at the 2024 Japan Wine Competition. It sits alongside Izutsu's barrel-aged (Tarujuku) and single-vineyard Chardonnay bottlings as the winery's approachable, fruit-forward everyday expression of the variety.