About Pinot Noir Cuvée Utou
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Pinot Noir
- Price Range
- ¥6,000-7,000
Domaine Kirinoka Pinot Noir Cuvée Utou is a single-vineyard, 100% Pinot Noir grown at 850 metres in the Yasudo area of Ono, Tatsuno Town, Nagano Prefecture. The 2025 vintage began under ideal conditions — low rainfall and wide diurnal swings through late August — before a rain-heavy September tested the harvest. Grapes were hand-picked between mid-September and mid-October, given about a week of cold maceration, then fermented for roughly two weeks before pressing. After malolactic fermentation, part of the wine aged about two months in new French oak while the rest rested in 114-litre used barrels; the two lots were blended in stainless steel and left to settle for a month. The result shows fresh raspberry fruit layered with mocha-like nuances and lively acidity.
One of the most compelling debut vintages from Nagano's new wave of high-altitude Pinot Noir — Kirinoka's Utou balances vivid raspberry fruit with a savory, mocha-toned complexity rarely found in a producer's first releases.
New to wine?
A bright, food-friendly Pinot Noir with juicy raspberry fruit — an approachable way to try Japan's emerging high-altitude Pinot Noir terroir.
Food Pairings
Its bright raspberry fruit and lively acidity make it a natural match for roast duck, herb-grilled chicken, or umami-rich mushroom dishes; the mocha-toned oak notes also pair well with mildly spiced game.
When to drink it
A special dinner, or a gift for someone exploring Japan's boutique Pinot Noir producers.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Pinot Noir, hand-harvested mid-September to mid-October 2025. Roughly one week of cold soak, about two weeks of alcoholic fermentation, then pressing. Post-MLF, part of the wine aged ~2 months in new French oak barrels, the remainder in 114-litre used barrels, before blending in stainless steel and resting one month prior to bottling. Bottled at 750ml.
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
- Chardonnay Cuvée HakuoWhite · Chardonnay
- Kitaono Chardonnay KiritoWhite · Chardonnay
- La Goccia Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut RoséSparkling · Chardonnay · Pinot Noir
- M.D. Vineyard ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- M.D. Vineyard Pinot NoirRed · Pinot Noir
- M.D. Vineyard RieslingWhite · Riesling
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape variety is used in Domaine Kirinoka Pinot Noir Cuvée Utou?
- It is made from 100% Pinot Noir, hand-harvested from Kirinoka's own vineyard in the Yasudo area of Ono, Tatsuno Town, Nagano, at 850 metres elevation.
- What does Cuvée Utou taste like?
- Expect fresh raspberry fruit layered with mocha-like oak notes and lively, refreshing acidity.
- How was Cuvée Utou 2025 made?
- Grapes were hand-picked between mid-September and mid-October 2025, cold-macerated for about a week, fermented for roughly two weeks, then aged partly in new French oak and partly in 114-litre used barrels before blending and a month of settling in stainless steel.
- What food pairs well with this wine?
- Its bright acidity and red-fruit character suit roast duck, grilled chicken, and umami-rich mushroom dishes.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier