About Ajisai
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Bailey Alicante A, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Price Range
- ¥2,000-2,200
- Alcohol
- 13%
Ajisai ("Hydrangea") is Shion Winery's barrel-aged red blend, made from Merlot, Bailey Alicante A, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Fuefuki and Makioka, Yamanashi. Fermented and macerated in stainless tank before pressing and racking, it finishes its evolution in oak barrels, giving it notes of cinnamon and vanilla over raspberry and rich, plum-like fruit, with soft, approachable tannins.
Proof that Yamanashi's small-lot winemakers can turn everyday grapes into a genuinely food-driven red — Ajisai's soft tannins and plum-cinnamon warmth make it a go-to bottle for sukiyaki night.
New to wine?
A soft, plummy red with gentle tannins — an easy, food-friendly entry into Japanese red wine.
Food Pairings
A natural match for red meat and sweet-savory Japanese dishes — try it with steak, roast beef, beef shigure-ni, or sukiyaki.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners with grilled or simmered meat, casual gatherings with sweet-savory Japanese dishes
Terroir & Winemaking
Blend of Merlot, Bailey Alicante A, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Fuefuki and Makioka, Yamanashi. Macerated and fermented in stainless steel tank, pressed, racked, then aged in oak barrels. ABV 13%. 750ml, screw cap.
About the producer
Shion WineryA tiny Yamanashi winery turning Kyoho table grapes into dry, food-friendly wine.山梨市, 山梨県 · Founded 2007Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes are used in Shion Winery's Ajisai?
- Ajisai is a blend of Merlot, Bailey Alicante A, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Fuefuki and Makioka, Yamanashi.
- What does Ajisai taste like?
- It shows a vivid wine-red color, aromas of cinnamon and vanilla layered over raspberry, and a palate of rich, plum-like fruit with soft, approachable tannins.
- What food pairs well with Ajisai?
- Its soft tannins and fruit-forward character make it especially good with sweet-savory Japanese meat dishes like sukiyaki and beef shigure-ni, as well as steak and roast beef.
- How is Ajisai made?
- The grapes are macerated and fermented in stainless steel tank, then pressed and racked before the wine is aged in oak barrels, which contributes its cinnamon and vanilla notes.
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