About Nagano Rouge
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- Price Range
- ¥3,300-3,800
Nagano Rouge is St. Cousair's benchmark red blend, made from Merlot grown across Nagano City, Shiojiri City, and the winery's home ground in Iizuna-machi, joined by Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage. Aged in oak barrels for roughly 9 to 14 months before blending, it layers black fruit and cinnamon-like spice over smooth, well-integrated tannins. The 2020 vintage won Gold at the 12th 'SAKURA' Japan Women's Wine Awards 2025 and Gold at the Japan Wine Challenge 2023.
St. Cousair's most consistently awarded red — proof that a Nagano Merlot blend can rival far pricier bottles.
New to wine?
A friendly, medium-bodied red with soft tannins — an easy first step into Japanese red wine.
Food Pairings
A versatile match for grilled or roasted red meats, hamburg steak, and mushroom dishes; its moderate tannin and spice notes also pair well with richly seasoned yakitori (negima, tsukune) and aged cheeses.
When to drink it
Weeknight dinners with grilled meat, casual gatherings, and gifting as an award-winning Nagano wine.
Terroir & Winemaking
Merlot-led blend sourced from Nagano City, Shiojiri City, and Iizuna Town (2020 vintage: 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc; other vintages have used Cabernet Sauvignon as the secondary variety). Aged in oak barrels for approximately 9 to 14 months before blending. 750ml, 12% ABV.
About the producer
St. CousairCrafting authentic Nagano wines with a philosophy of Country Comfort.飯綱町, 長野県 · Founded 1990Visit the producer page →More wines from St. Cousair
- Chapel Vineyard PlusRed · Cabernet Franc · Pinot Noir · Merlot · Cabernet Sauvignon
- ENARed · Merlot · Cabernet Franc · Cabernet Sauvignon · Pinot Noir · Concord
- N SparklingSparkling · Niagara
- Nagano ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- Niagara BlancSweet · Niagara
- Rabbit EyeSweet · Merlot · Sangiovese · Cabernet Sauvignon · Concord · Pinot Noir · Zweigelt · Cabernet Franc
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes are used in Nagano Rouge?
- It's a Merlot-led blend, joined by Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage; the 2020 vintage was 69% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.
- What is the alcohol content of Nagano Rouge?
- 12% ABV.
- What food pairs well with Nagano Rouge?
- Grilled or roasted red meats, hamburg steak, mushroom dishes, and richly seasoned yakitori pair especially well.
- Has Nagano Rouge won any awards?
- Yes — the 2020 vintage won Gold at the 12th 'SAKURA' Japan Women's Wine Awards 2025 and Gold at the Japan Wine Challenge 2023.
Want to know more about this wine?
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