About Cuvée Kazama Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,000-5,000
- Alcohol
- 12%
Cuvée Kazama Merlot is Kai Winery's flagship red, made from 100% estate-grown Merlot in the Enzan district of Koshu City, Yamanashi. Named after Soichiro Kazama, the winery's cultivation and brewing director, the wine is produced from fully ripened grapes harvested after careful vineyard selection, fermented, and then aged for approximately 12 months in oak barrels. It shows an elegant, complex bouquet of strawberry and raspberry, full-bodied structure with refined tannins, and a calm, balanced acidity on the finish.
Kai Winery's benchmark red — a Yamanashi Merlot that proves cool, mountainous terroir can yield structure and elegance in equal measure.
New to wine?
An approachable, food-friendly Japanese Merlot — its soft tannins and red-berry aromas make it a comfortable first step into domestic red wine.
Food Pairings
A classic match for grilled or roasted beef, pork dishes, and aged hard cheeses. The refined tannins and balanced acidity also work well with Japanese-style beef stews (nikujaga) or teriyaki-glazed dishes.
When to drink it
Dinner with grilled or braised meat dishes, gifting, special occasion pairing with Japanese cuisine.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% estate-grown Merlot from Kai Winery's own vineyards in Koshu City. Grapes are harvested at full ripeness after careful selection, fermented, and aged for about 12 months in oak barrels. Medium-to-full bodied, dry, alc. 12%, cork closure, 750ml, requires refrigeration.
About the producer
Kai Winery16 generations of history, self-grown Koshu and rare Barbera.甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1986Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Cuvée Kazama Merlot made from?
- It is made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in Kai Winery's own vineyards in Koshu City, Yamanashi.
- What does Cuvée Kazama Merlot taste like?
- It offers an elegant, complex aroma of strawberry and raspberry, a full yet refined mouthfeel, and a calm, balanced acidity on the finish, after about 12 months of aging in oak barrels.
- Where does the name 'Kazama' come from?
- The name honors Soichiro Kazama, Kai Winery's cultivation and brewing director, who oversees the vineyard and this wine's production.
- What food pairs well with Cuvée Kazama Merlot?
- It pairs well with grilled or roasted beef and pork, aged hard cheeses, and Japanese dishes with sweet-savory sauces such as teriyaki or nikujaga.
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