About Ogosso Merlot/Cabernet
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Price Range
- Approx. ¥3,000-4,000
- estimate, based on the same Ogosso series lineup; official price not yet published
MORINE Ogosso Merlot/Cabernet is a red blend from Kirinoka Vineyards & Winery's MORINE label, crafted under the Ogosso series — a name that means 'a delicious feast' in the Nagano dialect. The wine is made from 60% Merlot sourced from Azumino and Ikeda, and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from Azumino, in Nagano Prefecture. After crushing, the grapes underwent five days of cold maceration before roughly two weeks of relatively low-temperature fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation and three months of ageing in used oak barrels to build complexity. The result is a medium-light-bodied, approachable red designed for everyday drinking across a wide range of cuisines. It won a Bronze Medal at the Japan Wine Competition 2026.
The most food-friendly red in the Ogosso lineup — its gentle, medium-light body and used-oak complexity make it the easiest MORINE red to reach for on a weeknight.
New to wine?
An easy-drinking, medium-light-bodied red blend that works with almost any meal — a friendly entry point into Nagano's Merlot-Cabernet reds.
Food Pairings
A versatile food wine that pairs equally well with Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes — try it with yakitori, grilled pork, hamburg steak, or mapo tofu.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners, casual gatherings, and pairing with a wide range of home-cooked dishes.
Terroir & Winemaking
Merlot 60% (Azumino & Ikeda) and Cabernet Sauvignon 40% (Azumino), Nagano Prefecture. Five days of cold maceration after crushing, approximately two-week fermentation at relatively low temperature, followed by malolactic fermentation and three months of ageing in used oak barrels. Volume 750ml. Bronze Medal, Japan Wine Competition 2026.
About the producer
Kirinoka Vineyards & WineryNagano's high-altitude Pinot Noir project led by Japan's first WSET Diploma holder.辰野町, 長野県 · Founded 2020Visit the producer page →More wines from Kirinoka Vineyards & Winery
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- M.D. Vineyard ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- M.D. Vineyard Pinot NoirRed · Pinot Noir
- M.D. Vineyard RieslingWhite · Riesling
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes are used in Ogosso Merlot/Cabernet?
- It is a blend of 60% Merlot (from Azumino and Ikeda) and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon (from Azumino), both in Nagano Prefecture.
- What does Ogosso Merlot/Cabernet taste like?
- It is a medium-light-bodied red with a gentle, approachable character, shaped by five days of cold maceration and three months of ageing in used oak barrels.
- What food pairs well with Ogosso Merlot/Cabernet?
- Its versatile, food-friendly style pairs well across Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, including grilled meats and umami-rich dishes.
- Has Ogosso Merlot/Cabernet won any awards?
- Yes, it won a Bronze Medal at the Japan Wine Competition 2026.
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