About MERLOT / YAMA SAUVIGNON
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Yama Sauvignon, Syrah
- Price Range
- ¥2,970
- Alcohol
- 11.5%
A dry red blend from Minamisanriku Winery centered on Merlot grown in Tendo, Yamagata, aged for 23 months in French oak barrels and blended with Yama Sauvignon from Tsuruoka and Syrah from Sagae, both also in Yamagata Prefecture. Garnet in color, it offers aromas of blackberry and plum layered with oak-derived vanilla and black pepper, supported by moderate tannin and rich fruit concentration. The wine earned a Double Gold medal at the 13th Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2026.
Proof that Yamagata Merlot can hold its own with serious oak treatment — the Yama Sauvignon and Syrah additions give it a distinctly Tohoku-terroir edge over a straightforward Bordeaux blend.
New to wine?
An approachable, medium-bodied red — oak-aged Merlot softened by a touch of Japan's native Yama Sauvignon.
Food Pairings
A natural match for red meat: grilled beef steak or lamb stew, and equally at home with a wedge of camembert.
When to drink it
A steak dinner, a special-occasion table, or a gift for someone who appreciates award-winning wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
Blend: Merlot 83% (Tendo, Yamagata), Yama Sauvignon 13.5% (Tsuruoka, Yamagata), Syrah 3.5% (Sagae, Yamagata). Merlot base aged 23 months in French oak barrels before blending. ABV 11.5%, 750ml bottle.
About the producer
Minamisanriku WineryCrafting terroir-driven wines aged underwater in Shizugawa Bay.南三陸町, 宮城県 · Founded 2020Visit the producer page →More wines from Minamisanriku Winery
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- MERLOT / CABERNET SAUVIGNONRed · Merlot · Cabernet Sauvignon
- MINAMISANRIKU CHARDONNAYWhite · Chardonnay
- MUSCAT BAILEY A SPARKLINGSparkling · Muscat Bailey A
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape varieties are in MERLOT / YAMA SAUVIGNON?
- It is a blend of 83% Merlot (Tendo, Yamagata), 13.5% Yama Sauvignon (Tsuruoka, Yamagata) and 3.5% Syrah (Sagae, Yamagata).
- Has this wine won any awards?
- Yes, it received a Double Gold medal at the 13th Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2026.
- What food pairs well with this wine?
- Grilled beef steak, lamb stew, and rich cheeses like camembert all complement its moderate tannin and dark-fruit character.
- Is this the same wine as the underwater-aged version from Minamisanriku Winery?
- No. This is the standard, land-aged MERLOT / YAMA SAUVIGNON. Minamisanriku Winery also sells a separate underwater-aged version (Shizugawa Bay Underwater-Aged Wine MERLOT / YAMA SAUVIGNON) that is submerged in Shizugawa Bay for several months; the two are distinct products with different prices.
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