About Villa d'Est Tazawa Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥4,500-5,500
Villa d'Est Tazawa Merlot is a single-vineyard Merlot from the Tazawa plot, a 0.7-hectare parcel of gravelly topsoil within Villa d'Est's 850-meter-altitude estate in Tomi City, Nagano. Farmed without synthetic pesticides since 2006 and fermented with indigenous wild yeast using extended skin-contact (kamoshi) maceration in oak vessels, the wine is then aged for roughly a year and a half in oak barrels. The result is an elegant, floral Merlot with notes of red and dark cherry, plum, and gentle spice, balanced by fresh acidity and refined, silky tannins — a benchmark expression of cool-climate Japanese Merlot.
One of the most elegant expressions of Japanese Merlot — the Tazawa vineyard's gravelly soil and altitude give it a floral lift and silky tannic finesse that rewards a gentle chill and unhurried pairing.
New to wine?
A graceful, food-friendly introduction to Japanese Merlot — floral and fresh rather than heavy or tannic.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roast duck, grilled lamb, and mushroom-based dishes; its silky tannins and moderate body also stand up well to grilled unagi and other umami-rich fare.
When to drink it
Special dinners, wine-and-food pairing events, gifts for wine enthusiasts exploring Japanese terroir wines.
Terroir & Winemaking
Sourced entirely from the 0.7-hectare Tazawa vineyard (gravelly topsoil, 850m elevation), organically farmed without synthetic pesticides since 2006. Fermented with indigenous wild yeast via extended maceration (kamoshi) in oak vessels, then aged approximately 1.5 years in oak barrels.
About the producer
Villa d'Est WineryJapan's most influential winery estate — founder Toyoo Tamamura not only crafts elegant, terroir-driven Chardonnay and Merlot from 850m slopes, but built an entire regional wine culture through education and the Chikumagawa Wine Academy.東御市, 長野県 · Founded 2003Visit the producer page →More wines from Villa d'Est Winery
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes the Tazawa vineyard special?
- It's a 0.7-hectare, gravelly-soil single vineyard within Villa d'Est's estate, farmed without synthetic pesticides since 2006 — the free-draining soil and 850m elevation give the Merlot its floral lift and fine tannins.
- How is it made?
- Fermented with indigenous wild yeast through extended maceration (kamoshi) in oak vessels, then aged around 1.5 years in oak barrels.
- What does it taste like?
- Floral aromatics with red and dark cherry, plum, and gentle spice, fresh acidity, and refined, silky tannins.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Roast duck, grilled lamb, mushroom dishes, and umami-rich Japanese fare like unagi or sukiyaki.
- Is it ready to drink now?
- Yes — most vintages drink well on release, though the wine can also develop further with a few years of bottle age.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier