About RED Elevage
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bijou Noir
- Price Range
- ¥3,000-4,200
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
RED Elevage is a non-vintage, super-long barrel-aged red from Komazono Vineyard's limited, non-recurring special-edition lineup. Its name comes from the French word 'elevage' (aging/raising), and it is built mainly from estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (with Bijou Noir), extending long-term oak aging until the wine takes on an amber hue and a rich, full-bodied character. It is bottled non-fined and non-filtered as a naturally-produced wine, so mild in-bottle carbonation from residual fermentation may occasionally be present -- this does not indicate a quality issue.
One of the few Japanese reds that tastes genuinely aged rather than just oaked -- its amber rim and brandy-like, dried-fruit character make it a conversation piece worth seeking out whenever a new limited batch appears.
New to wine?
A gentle, easy-drinking introduction to aged red wine -- the long oak aging has softened the tannins so much it almost drinks like a tawny port or sherry, without the intensity of a young Cabernet.
Food Pairings
The mellow, well-integrated tannins and gentle acidity make this a rare red that pairs comfortably with a wide range of Japanese home cooking rather than needing rich Western fare. Try it with kinpira gobo, simmered pork belly (buta no kakuni), or other slightly sweet-savory dishes -- the wine's dried-plum and raisin sweetness echoes the caramelized soy-sugar notes beautifully. It also works well with aged cheeses or a small glass alongside dried fruit and nuts.
When to drink it
A special-occasion pour for autumn and winter dinners, or a quiet evening with aged cheese and dried fruit
Terroir & Winemaking
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (with a portion of Bijou Noir), fermented and then aged for an extended period in oak barrels well beyond Komazono's standard Tao-tier reds. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. ABV 12.5%, 750ml, non-vintage (NV), produced only in limited, non-recurring batches -- not a standing annual release.
About the producer
Komazono VineyardBoutique Koshu City winery with 80-year-old own-rooted vines甲州市, 山梨県 · Founded 1963Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape varieties are used in RED Elevage?
- It is made mainly from Komazono Vineyard's estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a portion of Bijou Noir, all long-aged in oak barrels.
- Is RED Elevage a vintage-dated wine?
- No, it is released as a non-vintage (NV) wine and is produced only occasionally as a limited special edition, not on a fixed annual schedule.
- Why does the wine sometimes have a slight fizz?
- It is bottled unfined and unfiltered using natural winemaking methods, so mild carbonation from in-bottle fermentation can occasionally occur. This is normal and not a quality defect.
- What food does RED Elevage pair well with?
- Its soft tannins and gentle acidity make it especially good with slightly sweet-savory Japanese dishes such as kinpira gobo or simmered pork belly (buta no kakuni), as well as aged cheeses.
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