About Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,500-4,000
Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged is a single-varietal Merlot from Sun Sun Winery, sourced from vines in the Kataoka district of Shiojiri, Nagano — a Merlot-renowned pocket of the Kikyogahara wine valley distinct from the winery's own Kakizawa estate vineyard. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, giving it a more approachable, everyday-priced profile than the winery's flagship Chateau SunSun Merlot while still showcasing the region's characteristic cool-climate Merlot fruit and structure.
Proof that Nagano's Merlot pedigree isn't reserved for flagship bottlings — this everyday cuvée from Kataoka delivers honest, cool-climate fruit at a fraction of the price.
New to wine?
An accessible, everyday introduction to Nagano's cool-climate Merlot at a friendly price point.
Food Pairings
A versatile everyday red that pairs well with grilled chicken, hamburger steak, and tomato-based pasta. Its soft tannins also make it easy to match with mildly seasoned Japanese dishes such as simmered pork or teriyaki.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners, everyday pairing with meat and tomato-based dishes
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot grown in the Kataoka district of Shiojiri, Nagano — a distinct plot from Sun Sun Winery's own Kakizawa estate vineyard. Aged in French oak barrels.
About the producer
Sun Sun WineryNagano hillside estate wines rooted in social welfare塩尻市, 長野県 · Founded 2015Visit the producer page →More wines from Sun Sun Winery
- Chateau SunSun ChardonnayWhite · Chardonnay
- Chateau SunSun MerlotRed · Merlot
- Chateau SunSun SyrahRed · Syrah
- Kakizawa Chardonnay Barrel AgingWhite · Chardonnay
- Kakizawa Chardonnay NakedWhite · Chardonnay
- Kakizawa Merlot Section ARed · Merlot
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape is Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged made from?
- It is a single-varietal wine made from 100% Merlot grown in the Kataoka district of Shiojiri, Nagano.
- How is Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged different from Chateau SunSun Merlot?
- Both are Merlot from Sun Sun Winery, but Chateau SunSun Merlot is the flagship bottling from the winery's own Kikyogahara estate, while Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged uses grapes from the separate Kataoka district and is priced as a more everyday cuvée.
- Is Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged the same as the Kakizawa Merlot wines?
- No. Kakizawa Merlot Section A and Kakizawa Rouge Prestige are made from grapes grown on Sun Sun Winery's own Kakizawa estate vineyard, while Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged uses Merlot from the separate Kataoka district.
- What food pairs well with Kataoka Merlot Barrel Aged?
- Its soft tannins and everyday-friendly profile pair well with grilled chicken, hamburger steak, tomato-based pasta, and mildly sweet-savory Japanese dishes.
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