About Suntory From Farm Iwadarahara Kokushien Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥8,800
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Iwadarahara Kokushien Merlot comes from a distinct young-vine plot named "Kokushien" (literally "black-purple garden") within Suntory Shiojiri Winery's celebrated Iwadarahara district in Nagano — part of the winery's limited "Wine no Mirai" (Future of Wine) lineup. Made from 100% Merlot grown in the same well-drained, rocky, gravelly soil as the flagship Iwadarahara Merlot, but from vines planted starting in 2016, the wine shows cool aromas of sour cherry, blueberry, and violet with a savory katsuobushi-like touch, framed by vigorous, youthful fruit intensity, taut acidity, and firm, structured tannins. It is a full-bodied wine that, while still a little raw around the edges, hints at real potential to grow toward the depth of the winery's flagship bottling.
Kokushien is the young, ambitious plot poised to carry Iwadarahara Merlot's legacy forward — a glimpse of where Japanese Merlot is headed next.
New to wine?
A great pick for anyone curious about a bold, full-bodied Japanese Merlot with youthful, still-developing character.
Food Pairings
Its bold, tannic structure pairs well with beef stew, pan-fried gyoza, and other richly flavored dishes — an excellent choice for a quiet solo evening in autumn or winter.
When to drink it
Hearty winter dinners with beef stew or gyoza, or a quiet solo evening in.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Merlot from the "Kokushien" plot within the Iwadarahara district of Shiojiri, Nagano — planted from 2016 onward on the same well-drained, rocky, gravelly soil as the flagship Iwadarahara Merlot. The plot's thick-skinned grapes develop a deep black-purple hue that gives the wine its name. ABV 12.5%.
About the producer
Suntory Shiojiri Winery1936-founded pioneer of Kikyogahara's world-class Merlot塩尻市, 長野県 · Founded 1936Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does "Kokushien" mean?
- Kokushien (黒紫園, literally "black-purple garden") is the name of a specific vineyard plot within the Iwadarahara district of Suntory Shiojiri Winery in Nagano, named for its thick-skinned grapes that develop a deep black-purple color.
- How does it differ from the standard Iwadarahara Merlot?
- Both use 100% Merlot grown in the Iwadarahara district, but Kokushien comes from a newer plot planted from 2016 onward, giving it a younger, more vigorous, and slightly rawer character compared to the winery's flagship Iwadarahara Merlot. It is also priced lower, at ¥8,800 versus ¥13,200 for the flagship.
- What food pairs well with it?
- Its firm tannins and rich concentration pair well with hearty dishes like beef stew and pan-fried gyoza.
- What is the grape variety and ABV?
- 100% Merlot, with an ABV of 12.5%.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier