About Ryou Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,520
- 750ml, tax included
- Alcohol
- 12%
Ryou Merlot is Tateshinapple Winery's flagship red wine, made from 100% Merlot grown in the cool, clay-rich vineyards of Tateshina, Nagano — a region recognized under the GI Nagano geographical indication. Vinified by head winemaker Masao Inoue, a veteran of award-winning Californian winemaking, it shows a fragrant nose of rose blossom layered with tangy raspberry and cherry, a smooth palate with gentle tannins, and a rich, oak-aged depth. Released each vintage since 2020 alongside its white counterpart Mine Chardonnay, Ryou Merlot reflects the wide diurnal temperature swings and clay soils at the foot of Mt. Tateshina.
A rose-and-raspberry nosed Merlot with oak-aged richness — proof that Nagano's apple country can craft a serious, full-bodied red.
New to wine?
An approachable, fruit-forward red — smooth tannins make it easy to enjoy even for those new to full-bodied wines.
Food Pairings
Full-bodied yet supple, Ryou Merlot pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, herb-crusted lamb, and rich tomato-based pasta. Its soft tannins also make it a natural match for aged hard cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.
When to drink it
Dinner with grilled meats, a cozy autumn evening, or a gift showcasing Nagano's rising wine region.
Terroir & Winemaking
Hand-harvested Merlot from vines planted beside the winery in Tateshina, fermented and aged in oak barrels to build texture and savory depth, resulting in a full-bodied red with fine-grained tannins.
About the producer
Tateshinapple WineryNagano's apple-town winery, famed for bottle-fermented cidre.立科町, 長野県 · Founded 2017Visit the producer page →More wines from Tateshinapple Winery
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Ryou Merlot taste like?
- It opens with a fragrant rose-blossom nose, followed by tangy raspberry and cherry fruit, a smooth palate, gentle tannins, and a rich, oak-aged finish.
- What grape variety is used in Ryou Merlot?
- It is made from 100% Merlot grown in Tateshina, Nagano, meeting the standards of the GI Nagano geographical indication.
- What food pairs well with Ryou Merlot?
- Its full body and soft tannins pair well with grilled red meats, hearty tomato-based dishes, aged cheeses, and rich Japanese dishes like teriyaki-glazed duck.
- What is the alcohol content of Ryou Merlot?
- It has an ABV of approximately 12%.
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