How is Fulfulle Merlot different from Fulfulle Rouge?

Fulfulle Rouge is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, while Fulfulle Merlot is a single-varietal bottling made from 100% estate-grown Merlot.

What does Fulfulle Merlot taste like?

According to the winery, it shows a deep, beautiful color with rich fruit aromatics and a silky, full-bodied texture typical of Matsugaoka fruit.

Is Fulfulle Merlot the same as Pino Collina's other Merlot bottling?

No. Pino Collina also produces a separately labeled, oak-aged prestige Merlot at a higher price point; Fulfulle Merlot is the casual, everyday-table version of the same grape.

What food pairs well with Fulfulle Merlot?

Its rich, silky texture pairs well with grilled meats, mushroom dishes, and Japanese soy-and-dashi-seasoned dishes like teriyaki or simmered vegetables.

CuvéeYamagataRed

Pino Collina Fulfulle Merlot

ピノ・コッリーナフルフルメルロー

Pino Collina

About Pino Collina Fulfulle Merlot

Style: Red
Grape Varieties: Merlot
Price Range: ¥3,500-4,000

Fulfulle Merlot is a single-varietal bottling from Pino Collina's casual, drink-often 'Fulfulle' line, grown on the historic Matsugaoka plateau in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Unlike the blended Fulfulle Rouge (Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir) and Fulfulle Rosé (Merlot and Syrah), this cuvée is 100% estate-grown Merlot, farmed without pesticides and vinified using Pino Collina's gravity-flow, minimal-intervention approach in keeping with its vin naturel philosophy. According to the winery, the wine shows a beautiful, deep hue with rich fruit aromatics and the silky smoothness characteristic of Matsugaoka fruit, delivering a full-bodied, richly textured red. It is distinct from the winery's separately labeled, oak-aged prestige Merlot bottling, positioning Fulfulle Merlot as an easygoing, food-friendly everyday red rather than a special-occasion showpiece.

Sommelier's Note

The richest, silkiest of the Fulfulle line — proof that Matsugaoka Merlot can stand fully on its own.

New to wine?

A rich yet approachable single-varietal Merlot — a gentle introduction to full-bodied Japanese red wine.

Food Pairings

Its rich, silky texture pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, mushroom dishes, and semi-hard cheeses. It also complements Japanese dishes seasoned with soy and dashi, such as teriyaki chicken or simmered root vegetables.

When to drink it

Casual dinners with meat or mushroom dishes, and gifts for fans of Japanese natural wine.

Terroir & Winemaking

100% estate-grown Merlot from the Matsugaoka plateau, farmed without pesticides. Vinified using Pino Collina's gravity-flow, minimal-intervention winemaking in keeping with its vin naturel philosophy. Bottled at 750ml.

About the producer

Pino CollinaGold Medal winner at IWC 2025 (London) for Tsuruoka Koshu 2023 — a gravity-flow natural winery on historic samurai-cultivated land beneath Mt. Gassan in Shonai, Yamagata.鶴岡市, 山形県 · Founded 2017Visit the producer page →

More wines from Pino Collina

See all wines from this producer →

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Fulfulle Merlot different from Fulfulle Rouge?: Fulfulle Rouge is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, while Fulfulle Merlot is a single-varietal bottling made from 100% estate-grown Merlot.
What does Fulfulle Merlot taste like?: According to the winery, it shows a deep, beautiful color with rich fruit aromatics and a silky, full-bodied texture typical of Matsugaoka fruit.
Is Fulfulle Merlot the same as Pino Collina's other Merlot bottling?: No. Pino Collina also produces a separately labeled, oak-aged prestige Merlot at a higher price point; Fulfulle Merlot is the casual, everyday-table version of the same grape.
What food pairs well with Fulfulle Merlot?: Its rich, silky texture pairs well with grilled meats, mushroom dishes, and Japanese soy-and-dashi-seasoned dishes like teriyaki or simmered vegetables.

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