About Kontoku Budoshu Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,300
- 750ml
- Alcohol
- 12%
Kontoku Budoshu Merlot is the red wine in the Merlot lineup of Kawachi Wine's entry-level 'Kintoku Budoshu' (金徳葡萄酒) series, the historic Osaka producer's everyday range. Made from 2018-harvest Merlot grapes aged for one year in oak, it shows a gentle oak nuance and soft fruit aromatics reminiscent of the mild, rustic air of Komagatani, with a supple, easy-drinking texture. Bottled at 750ml with 12% ABV and priced at ¥3,300, it is a distinct, standard-line product from the winery's two other Merlot-based cuvées: the premium, 900-bottle-limited 'KIEI Private Reserve Merlot' (750ml, 13% ABV, ¥5,280, aged 18 months in old oak) and the 90th-anniversary commemorative 'Tokuichi Merlot 90th Anniversary' (barrel-selection ANNIVERSARY series). Each is a separate SKU with its own capacity, price and character.
The most everyday-friendly of Kawachi Wine's three Merlot bottlings — where the KIEI Private Reserve aims for structure and the Tokuichi 90th for ceremony, this one is built simply to be poured on a weeknight.
New to wine?
A soft, approachable oak-aged red — a gentle first step into Japanese Merlot without heavy tannins.
Food Pairings
The gentle oak and soft fruit character pairs well with everyday grilled or simmered dishes — think teriyaki chicken, hamburg steak, or mild yakiniku. Its supple tannins also suit semi-hard cheeses and light charcuterie.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners, casual gatherings with grilled or simmered dishes
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from Merlot grapes harvested in 2018, aged for one year in oak barrels. Bottled at 750ml, 12% ABV, with added sulfites (as required by Japanese labeling law). Part of the standard 'Kintoku Budoshu' everyday line, distinct from the premium KIEI and ANNIVERSARY (Tokuichi) lines.
About the producer
Kawachi WineA 1934-founded Osaka winery rooted in the historic Kawachi grape tradition.羽曳野市, 大阪府 · Founded 1934Visit the producer page →More wines from Kawachi Wine
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Kontoku Budoshu Merlot different from Kawachi Wine's other Merlot wines?
- It is the entry-level Merlot in the standard 'Kintoku Budoshu' line (750ml, ¥3,300, 12% ABV, one year in oak), distinct from the premium, 900-bottle-limited 'KIEI Private Reserve Merlot' (13% ABV, ¥5,280, 18 months in old oak) and the commemorative 'Tokuichi Merlot 90th Anniversary'.
- What does Kontoku Budoshu Merlot taste like?
- It offers a gentle oak nuance and soft, warm fruit aromatics with a supple, easy-drinking texture, described by the winery as evoking the mild air of its Komagatani vineyards.
- What food pairs well with Kontoku Budoshu Merlot?
- Its soft tannins and gentle oak suit everyday Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken or hamburg steak, as well as semi-hard cheeses and light charcuterie.
- What grape and vintage is Kontoku Budoshu Merlot made from?
- It is made from 100% Merlot grapes harvested in 2018 and aged for one year in oak barrels before bottling at 750ml, 12% ABV.
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