About 04 Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥8,360-16,060
- 375ml/750ml
- Alcohol
- 11.0%
04 Merlot is SIX THREE ESTATE WINERY's single-varietal red, made from 100% Merlot sourced from vineyards in Fukui and Nagano prefectures by winemaker Tsuneki Nishino. The wine undergoes natural wild-yeast fermentation with no additives and no filtration, and is aged in 100% new French oak barrels. It shows a deep crimson-rose color, opening with nutty, lightly smoky first aromas before revealing rose, banana, and melon on the swirl. The producer describes its character as understated and refined — likened to a composed Japanese lady standing quietly a step behind rather than dominating — so it complements food rather than overwhelming it.
This is Merlot with restraint — nutty, lightly smoky top notes give way to rose and stone fruit, and it never overpowers the plate, exactly as the producer intends.
New to wine?
A gentle, food-friendly red — soft tannins and quiet fruit make it an easy first step into natural-wine Merlot.
Food Pairings
Its restrained tannins and quiet fruit make it a versatile match for grilled or roasted dishes — try it with yakitori, roast duck, mushroom risotto, or mild washed-rind cheeses. Because it never overpowers the plate, it also works well alongside delicate Japanese home cooking.
When to drink it
Everyday dinners, casual gatherings with friends, or alongside home-style Japanese cooking.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot sourced from vineyards in Fukui and Nagano prefectures. Wild-yeast (native) fermentation with no additives and no filtration. Aged in 100% new French oak barrels. ABV 11.0%. Bottled in 750ml and 375ml formats.
About the producer
SIX THREE ESTATE WINERYFukui's stork-friendly, minimal-intervention natural wine estate越前市, 福井県 · Founded 2023Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is SIX THREE ESTATE 04 Merlot made from?
- It is a single-varietal red made from 100% Merlot grown in vineyards in Fukui and Nagano prefectures, Japan.
- What is the alcohol content of 04 Merlot?
- 04 Merlot has an ABV of 11.0%.
- How is 04 Merlot produced?
- It is made with natural wild-yeast fermentation, no additives, and no filtration, then aged in 100% new French oak barrels.
- Is 04 Merlot the same wine as SHIKIBU MERLOT?
- No, they are separate cuvées from SIX THREE ESTATE WINERY. Both are 100% Merlot, but 04 Merlot is 11.0% ABV using fruit from Fukui and Nagano, while SHIKIBU MERLOT is a distinct 13.0% ABV wine using fruit from Fukui and Hyogo, with its own tasting profile.
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