About Hosaka Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥2,300-2,600
- Alcohol
- 12%
Hosaka Merlot is a single-varietal red in Hombo Shuzo's Château Mars Prestige range, made from 100% Merlot grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi, and aged in French oak. It shows a fragrant bouquet of cassis and violet, full, generous fruit and smooth, well-integrated tannins — soft on entry but with real structure and length. The 2017 vintage won Bronze in the European varieties red category at the Japan Wine Competition 2019.
A quietly confident single-varietal Merlot — the cassis-violet nose and silky tannin structure punch well above its everyday price point.
New to wine?
A gentle, approachable single-varietal Merlot — smooth tannins and cassis-violet aromas make it an easy entry into Japanese red wine.
Food Pairings
A versatile match for hamburger steak with demi-glace sauce, grilled duck breast, mushroom dishes, and mild aged cheeses; its soft tannins also suit roasted vegetables.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners, gifting, and pairing with Western-style home cooking.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from grapes grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels at Mars Hosaka Winery (part of Mars Yamanashi Winery). ABV 12%. 750ml bottle. Ingredients: grapes (Hosaka-grown), antioxidant (sulfites).
About the producer
Mars Yamanashi WineryOver 60 years crafting Yamanashi's Chateau Mars wines笛吹市, 山梨県 · Founded 1960Visit the producer page →More wines from Mars Yamanashi Winery
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Hosaka Merlot 100% Merlot?
- Yes. It is a single-varietal red made entirely from Merlot grapes grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi — distinct from Mars Yamanashi Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends such as Hosaka Sannokura Rouge.
- What does Hosaka Merlot taste like?
- It shows fragrant cassis and violet aromas, full and generous fruit, and smooth, well-integrated tannins, giving a soft entry with real structure and a lingering finish.
- What food pairs well with Hosaka Merlot?
- Its medium body and soft tannins pair well with hamburger steak in demi-glace sauce, grilled duck, mushroom dishes, and mildly aged cheeses.
- Has Hosaka Merlot won any awards?
- The 2017 vintage won Bronze in the European varieties red category at the Japan Wine Competition 2019.
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