About Kai Noir
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Kai Noir, Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥2,400-2,500
- Alcohol
- 12%
A red wine from Mars Hosaka Winery (part of Mars Yamanashi Winery) made from Kai Noir grapes grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, Yamanashi, blended with Merlot and aged in barrel. Kai Noir is a Yamanashi-bred grape variety created by crossing Black Queen with Cabernet Sauvignon and named in 1990 — 'Kai' being the old provincial name for Yamanashi and 'Noir' French for black. The wine shows a deep purplish-red color with rich berry aromas layered over oak, a fruit-forward palate, and a notably firm acidity.
One of the clearest expressions of Kai Noir on the market — its Merlot blend and barrel aging give this Yamanashi-native grape real structure without losing its bright, food-friendly acidity.
New to wine?
An approachable, medium-bodied introduction to Japan's own red grape variety, Kai Noir.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with grilled red meats, hearty stews, and aged hard cheeses; the firm acidity also complements richer Japanese dishes such as simmered beef or grilled unagi with a sweet-savory glaze.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners with grilled or stewed red meat, or as a conversation-starter for Japanese wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
Made from Kai Noir grapes (a Yamanashi-bred cross of Black Queen and Cabernet Sauvignon, named in 1990) grown in the Hosaka district of Nirasaki, blended with Merlot and barrel-aged at Mars Hosaka Winery. ABV 12%.
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
- What grape is Kai Noir made from?
- Kai Noir is a red blend led by the Kai Noir grape, a Yamanashi-bred variety created by crossing Black Queen with Cabernet Sauvignon and named in 1990, blended with Merlot and barrel-aged by Mars Hosaka Winery.
- What does Kai Noir taste like?
- A medium-bodied red with a deep purplish-red hue, rich berry aromas layered with oak notes, fruit-forward flavor, and a notably firm, refreshing acidity.
- What food pairs well with Kai Noir?
- Grilled or stewed red meats, hearty stews, and aged hard cheeses; its firm acidity also works well with richer Japanese dishes like simmered beef or unagi kabayaki.
- What is the ABV of Kai Noir?
- Kai Noir from Mars Hosaka Winery has an ABV of 12%.
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