About Merlot & Cabernet clair
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Price Range
- ¥1,760
- 720ml, tax included
- Alcohol
- 12%
Merlot & Cabernet clair is Swiss Village Winery's lightest-bodied red in its Merlot & Cabernet range, blending Merlot (70%) with Cabernet Franc (30%) grown across Matsumoto, Ikeda-machi, and Azumino in Nagano Prefecture. Fermented in stainless steel tanks rather than oak, it shows fragrant violet and rose aromas with a fresh, breezy character reminiscent of the wind off the Northern Alps. 'Clair' (French for 'light' or 'pale') signals its medium-bodied, approachable style — the most easy-drinking bottling in the winery's Merlot & Cabernet lineup.
The most effortlessly drinkable wine in Swiss Village Winery's Merlot & Cabernet line — floral, breezy, and proof that Nagano reds don't need heft to have character.
New to wine?
A gentle, floral-scented red that's easy to enjoy chilled slightly — a friendly entry point into Nagano's Merlot & Cabernet blends.
Food Pairings
Its bright acidity and violet-scented fruit pair well with grilled chicken, tomato-based pasta, and charcuterie. A versatile, food-friendly red for casual weeknight meals.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners, everyday pairing with grilled meats or pasta
Terroir & Winemaking
Merlot 70% / Cabernet Franc 30%, sourced from Matsumoto, Ikeda-machi, and Azumino in Nagano. Fermented in stainless steel tanks (no oak aging). ABV 12%. Medium-bodied.
About the producer
Swiss Village Winery100% Nagano-grown wines from the foot of the Northern Alps安曇野市, 長野県 · Founded 1997Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'clair' mean in Merlot & Cabernet clair?
- 'Clair' is French for 'light' or 'pale.' It signals this is the lightest, most medium-bodied wine in Swiss Village Winery's Merlot & Cabernet range, fermented in stainless steel without oak for a fresh, floral style.
- How is Merlot & Cabernet clair different from Merlot & Cabernet deuxième?
- Both are Merlot/Cabernet Franc blends from Swiss Village Winery, but clair is medium-bodied and fermented in stainless steel with a slightly higher Merlot ratio (70/30 vs. 67/33), while deuxième is a full-bodied, more tannin-forward everyday bottling. Clair is the lighter, more floral and approachable of the two.
- What food pairs well with Merlot & Cabernet clair?
- Its bright acidity and violet aromatics pair nicely with grilled chicken, tomato-based pasta, and charcuterie, as well as Japanese dishes like salted yakitori or ginger pork.
- What is the alcohol content of Merlot & Cabernet clair?
- It is 12% ABV, a moderate strength that suits its medium-bodied, easy-drinking style.
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