About Merlot Barrel Aged
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Price Range
- ¥3,190
- tax included, 720ml
- Alcohol
- 13%
A barrel-aged, dry red wine made from 100% Nagano-grown Merlot, produced by Yamabe Winery in the Yamabe district of Matsumoto (2019 vintage). It shows a lively ruby color with aromas of berry fruit, blackcurrant, and black tea. A light, easy attack gives way to well-balanced acidity and fruit, finishing with a gentle tannic grip and a sweet hint of vanilla from oak aging. No imported bulk wine or concentrated must is used.
Yamabe's barrel-aged Merlot proves that Nagano's high-altitude Matsumoto vineyards can produce a supple, food-friendly red with real oak integration — its vanilla-tinged finish punches well above its everyday price point.
New to wine?
A gentle, approachable introduction to Japanese oak-aged Merlot — soft tannins with a touch of vanilla sweetness.
Food Pairings
Its gentle tannins and oak-derived vanilla notes make it a natural match for grilled or roasted meats — think Shinshu beef steak, yakiniku, or roast pork. Also pairs well with mushroom dishes and hard, aged cheeses.
When to drink it
Dinner featuring grilled or roasted meat dishes; a good everyday red for meat-based Japanese and Western cuisine alike.
Terroir & Winemaking
Barrel-aged Merlot made from 100% Nagano (Matsumoto)-grown grapes; no imported bulk wine or concentrate used. ABV 13%. 720ml bottle. 2019 vintage.
About the producer
Yamabe Winery100% Matsumoto-grown grapes, from Nagano's grape-growing birthplace.松本市, 長野県 · Founded 2002Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grape variety is used in Yamabe Winery's Merlot Barrel Aged?
- It is made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the Matsumoto area of Nagano Prefecture.
- Is this Merlot dry or sweet?
- It is a dry (karakuchi) red wine; barrel aging adds a touch of vanilla-like sweetness to the finish rather than residual sugar.
- What food pairs well with this wine?
- Its soft tannins and vanilla notes pair especially well with grilled or roasted meat dishes such as Shinshu beef steak or yakiniku, as well as mushroom dishes and aged cheese.
- What is the ABV of this wine?
- 13%.
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