What makes Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot different from Sinano Kikyogahara Merlot?

It uses only specially selected, higher-sugar-content Merlot grapes from vintages with sufficient ripeness, and is aged four months longer (18 months vs. 14) in new French oak, giving it a more concentrated, full-bodied character than the winery's standard Merlot.

Has Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot won any awards?

Yes — an earlier vintage won Gold and the Best of Category award at Japan's national wine competition in 2006, and the wine has also picked up silver medals at Slovenia's international wine competition.

What food pairs well with Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot?

Its concentrated fruit and fine tannins pair well with grilled red meat, lamb, aged hard cheeses, and rich braised dishes.

Is Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot produced every year?

No — it's made only in vintages when the Merlot grapes reach sufficiently high sugar levels, so it isn't released annually.

CuvéeKikyogaharaRed

Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot

信濃樽熟メルロー

Sinano Wine

About Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot

Style: Red
Grape Varieties: Merlot
Price Range: ¥9,500-10,500
Alcohol: 12%

A full-bodied, dry red made from specially selected, higher-sugar-content Merlot grapes grown in Sinano Wine's Kikyogahara vineyards in Shiojiri, Nagano — the winery's top-tier expression of its signature variety, produced only in vintages when the fruit reaches sufficient ripeness. Aged 18 months in new French oak (four months longer than the standard Kikyogahara Merlot), it shows a deep, concentrated character where fruit and oak aromas meld seamlessly, framed by fine-grained tannins and a long, layered finish. An earlier vintage won Gold and the Best of Category award at Japan's national wine competition in 2006, and the label has also picked up silver medals at Slovenia's international wine competition.

Sommelier's Note

This is Sinano Wine's proof of concept — the barrel-selected Merlot that earned the winery Japan's top wine competition honors and still outshines its own standard bottling in depth and structure.

New to wine?

A step up from Sinano's standard Merlot — more concentrated and oak-forward, best enjoyed once you already appreciate red wine's richer side.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meat — lamb chops, beef tenderloin, venison — as well as aged hard cheeses and mushroom dishes that can stand up to its concentration.

When to drink it

Special dinners, milestone celebrations, and gifting to serious wine lovers.

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Merlot from Sinano Wine's Kikyogahara estate vineyards in Shiojiri, Nagano, using only fruit that reaches higher sugar levels in favorable vintages. Aged 18 months in new French oak barrels before bottling. Dry, full-bodied, ABV 12%.

About the producer

Sinano WineCentury-old Kikyogahara pioneer of Japanese Merlot塩尻市, 長野県 · Founded 1916Visit the producer page →

More wines from Sinano Wine

See all wines from this producer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot different from Sinano Kikyogahara Merlot?: It uses only specially selected, higher-sugar-content Merlot grapes from vintages with sufficient ripeness, and is aged four months longer (18 months vs. 14) in new French oak, giving it a more concentrated, full-bodied character than the winery's standard Merlot.
Has Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot won any awards?: Yes — an earlier vintage won Gold and the Best of Category award at Japan's national wine competition in 2006, and the wine has also picked up silver medals at Slovenia's international wine competition.
What food pairs well with Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot?: Its concentrated fruit and fine tannins pair well with grilled red meat, lamb, aged hard cheeses, and rich braised dishes.
Is Sinano Barrel-Aged Merlot produced every year?: No — it's made only in vintages when the Merlot grapes reach sufficiently high sugar levels, so it isn't released annually.

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