About this wine
Château Lumière is the flagship red blend of Lumiere Winery, one of Japan's oldest wineries (est. 1885) in Katsunuma/Fuefuki, Yamanashi. The cuvée traces back to cuttings historically received from Château Margaux, and today blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a notably high proportion of Tannat for added color, tannin, and structure, using grapes sourced mainly from Yamanashi and Nagano. Aged in oak barrels for roughly 15 to 18 months, it shows an aromatic nose of blackberry, plum, and sour cherry layered with spice, vanilla, and cedar, backed by firm but polished tannins and medium-full body. It is consistently ranked among the top Japanese red wines and top wines of Yamanashi Prefecture, and has won awards including a silver medal at international competitions.
A great introduction to premium Japanese red wine — medium-full bodied, structured, and food-friendly without being overly tannic.
Sommelier's Note
"One of the benchmark red blends of Japanese wine — Tannat gives it a backbone that few domestic reds can match, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot bring Bordeaux-style elegance."
Food Pairings
Pairs exceptionally well with grilled red meats, lamb, game dishes, and mature hard cheeses. In Japanese cuisine, it complements soy-based dishes such as sukiyaki, beef simmered in sweet soy (shigureni), and yakitori with tare sauce.
When to drink it
Special dinners, celebratory occasions, or as a gift for wine enthusiasts.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tannat
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 12%
- Price Range
- ¥4,000-5,000
Terroir & Winemaking
A Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tannat, hand-harvested from Yamanashi and Nagano vineyards. Vinified in the traditional manner and aged in oak barrels for approximately 15 to 18 months to develop depth, structure, and aging potential. Alcohol content approximately 12%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes is Château Lumière made from?
- It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tannat, with Tannat contributing much of its color and tannic structure.
- What does Château Lumière taste like?
- It features aromas of blackberry, plum, and sour cherry with spice, vanilla, and cedar notes, backed by firm, polished tannins and medium-full body.
- What food pairs well with Château Lumière?
- It pairs well with grilled red meats, lamb, and game, as well as Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and soy-glazed grilled chicken.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
ルミエール 光 甲州
Lumiere Hikari Koshu
WhiteKoshu
Lumiere Hikari Koshu (光 甲州) is the flagship barrel-aged expression from Lumiere Winery, one of Japan's oldest wineries (est. 1885) in Katsunuma/Fuefuki, Yamanashi. Made entirely from Koshu grapes grown in the winery's own vineyards, it is fermented in French oak barrels and matured in oak for roughly 18 to 20 months. The result is a rich, full-bodied Koshu with ripe quince, apricot and pear aromas layered with butter, roasted nuts and gentle vanilla oak notes, balanced by soft, elegant acidity. The 2018 vintage earned a Platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2021, and the 2022 vintage won Gold in the Koshu category at Kura Master 2025 in Paris, cementing its status as one of the most acclaimed Koshu wines internationally.
ルミエール イストワール（白）
Lumiere Histoire Blanc
WhiteDelaware · Chardonnay · Koshu · Merlot
Histoire Blanc is a barrel-fermented, barrel-aged white blend from Lumiere Winery that departs from the pure-Koshu tradition of most Japanese whites. Grapes are sourced across Yamanashi, Yamagata, and Nagano prefectures — Delaware and Chardonnay form the base, joined by Koshu and Merlot for added structure and complexity. The result is an aromatic wine with notes of pineapple, pear, and lychee, layered with honey and white blossom nuances, balanced by refreshing acidity and a rich, rounded finish.
ルミエール 甲州シュール・リー
Lumiere Winery Koshu Sur Lie
WhiteKoshu
Lumiere Koshu Sur Lie is a flagship white wine from Yamanashi, Japan, crafted using the traditional Koshu grape. The 'sur lie' method, where the wine is aged on its lees, imparts a complex, creamy texture and depth to the palate. It showcases a delicate balance of crisp acidity, subtle citrus notes, and a distinct mineral backbone. This wine exemplifies the elegance of Japanese viticulture, offering a clean, refreshing finish that reflects the unique terroir of the Koshu region.