What grape varieties are blended in NOMAZA?

NOMAZA blends three Bordeaux varieties grown in Nagano Prefecture — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The 2024 vintage is 40% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Cabernet Franc.

What does the name "NOMAZA" mean?

It comes from "Nomazaa" (飲まざぁ), a friendly invitation to drink together in the dialect of the Suwa region of Nagano, where the winery is located.

What foods pair well with NOMAZA?

Rich, umami-forward dishes such as grilled or red-wine braised beef, herb-roasted lamb, roast duck breast, mushroom dishes, and aged cheese pair especially well.

How is NOMAZA aged, and what is its ABV?

It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, which add depth and a smooth, lingering finish to its bright acidity and gentle tannins. The 2024 vintage has an ABV of 12%.

CuvéeYatsugatake West FoothillsRed

NOMAZA

Yatsugatake Haramura Winery

About NOMAZA

Style: Red
Grape Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Price Range: ¥3,630; tax included
Alcohol: 12%

NOMAZA is a medium-bodied dry red from Yatsugatake Haramura Winery, blending Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grown in Nagano Prefecture (the current 2024 vintage is 40% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Cabernet Franc). Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, it balances ripe fruit with bright acidity and gentle tannins, gaining depth and a smooth, lingering finish from the oak. Its playful name comes from "Nomazaa" (飲まざぁ), a Suwa-region dialect invitation meaning "let's have a drink together."

Sommelier's Note

NOMAZA shows how well Nagano's Bordeaux varieties can integrate with oak — its 12-month French oak aging gives this reasonably priced blend real depth and one of the most food-friendly profiles in Haramura's red lineup.

New to wine?

A smooth, approachable Bordeaux-style blend with soft tannins — a friendly entry point into Japanese red wine.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with grilled beef, red-wine braised beef, herb-roasted lamb, and roasted duck breast, as well as umami-rich meat dishes, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

When to drink it

Dinner with friends, gatherings centered on grilled or braised meat dishes.

Terroir & Winemaking

A Bordeaux-style blend of Nagano-grown Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc (2024 vintage: 40% / 37% / 23%), aged 12 months in French oak barrels. ABV 12%. Bottle size 750ml.

About the producer

Yatsugatake Haramura WineryThe first winery in Suwa, at 914m on Yatsugatake's slopes.原村, 長野県 · Founded 2022Visit the producer page →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grape varieties are blended in NOMAZA?: NOMAZA blends three Bordeaux varieties grown in Nagano Prefecture — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The 2024 vintage is 40% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Cabernet Franc.
What does the name "NOMAZA" mean?: It comes from "Nomazaa" (飲まざぁ), a friendly invitation to drink together in the dialect of the Suwa region of Nagano, where the winery is located.
What foods pair well with NOMAZA?: Rich, umami-forward dishes such as grilled or red-wine braised beef, herb-roasted lamb, roast duck breast, mushroom dishes, and aged cheese pair especially well.
How is NOMAZA aged, and what is its ABV?: It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, which add depth and a smooth, lingering finish to its bright acidity and gentle tannins. The 2024 vintage has an ABV of 12%.

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