About K.S. Assemblage
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Yama Sauvignon, Black Queen
- Price Range
- ¥2,300-2,450
- 720ml, open pricing -- varies by retailer and vintage
- Alcohol
- 12%
K.S. Assemblage is a dry red wine from Katashimo Wine Foods (Katashimo Winery) -- western Japan's oldest continuously operating winery, founded in Kashiwara, Osaka in 1914 -- released under the winery's flagship 'KING SELBY' brand created by founder Sakujiro Takai. It blends three distinct domestically grown grape varieties -- Merlot from Yamagata and the Japanese hybrid varieties Yama Sauvignon and Black Queen grown in Osaka -- aged in oak barrels and assembled (assemblage) in a carefully judged ratio so that no single variety dominates. The result is a calm, well-integrated wine with layered complexity and a savory, food-friendly depth unusual for a Delaware-dominant regional winery. Bottled at 720ml, it is produced in limited quantities each vintage.
A rare Japanese assemblage that proves blending isn't just a Bordeaux or Napa technique -- pairing Yamagata Merlot with Osaka-grown Japanese hybrids yields a red with more depth and savory complexity than any single variety here would deliver alone.
New to wine?
A gentle introduction to blended (assemblage) red wine -- the three grapes are balanced so carefully that none overpowers the others, making it approachable even for those new to complex reds.
Food Pairings
The wine's savory depth and moderate tannins pair well with grilled or simmered meats, teriyaki chicken, and hamburg steak, as well as aged hard cheeses. In Japanese cuisine it complements simmered dishes (nimono) seasoned with soy sauce and mirin, and grilled eel (unagi no kabayaki).
When to drink it
Everyday dinners with simmered or grilled dishes, casual gatherings with friends, and as an approachable introduction to Japanese blended reds.
Terroir & Winemaking
A three-variety assemblage of Merlot (Yamagata), Yama Sauvignon and Black Queen (both Osaka-grown Japanese hybrid varieties), aged in oak barrels before blending. Bottled at 720ml under the 'KING SELBY' line, ABV 12%, dry-leaning profile (product code 9034031).
About the producer
Katashimo Wine Foods Co., Ltd.West Japan's oldest winery, crafting wine since 1914.柏原市, 大阪府 · Founded 1914Visit the producer page →More wines from Katashimo Wine Foods Co., Ltd.
- Additive-Free DelawareWhite · Delaware
- Additive-Free Muscat Bailey ARed · Muscat Bailey A
- Angel's Fruit CampbellRed · Campbell Early
- Angel's Fruit NiagaraWhite · Niagara
- Fragrant Neo Muscat & Riesling NigoriWhite · Neo Muscat · Riesling
- Gently Fragrant DelawareWhite · Delaware
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape varieties are used in K.S. Assemblage?
- It blends three grape varieties: Merlot grown in Yamagata Prefecture and the Japanese hybrid varieties Yama Sauvignon and Black Queen grown in Osaka, each aged in oak barrels before blending.
- What does K.S. Assemblage taste like?
- A dry, medium-to-full-bodied red with a calm, well-integrated character -- no single grape dominates -- and layered, savory complexity from the oak-aged three-variety blend.
- What food pairs well with K.S. Assemblage?
- Its savory depth and moderate tannins pair well with grilled or simmered meats, teriyaki chicken, hamburg steak, and aged hard cheeses, as well as soy-sauce-based Japanese simmered dishes.
- Who produces K.S. Assemblage?
- It is produced by Katashimo Wine Foods Co., Ltd. (Katashimo Winery) in Kashiwara, Osaka -- western Japan's oldest continuously operating winery, founded in 1914 -- under its flagship 'KING SELBY' brand.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier