Château Mercian has announced the release of "Château Mercian Iwade Koshu Ortum 2020" and "Château Mercian Tsuruoka Koshu 2020".
While this winery has constantly taken on challenges in product development to elevate the value of Koshu, these two newly released products are reportedly truly special Koshu wines.
Here, we introduce the details of these wines.
Château Mercian: The Pioneer of Koshu
Château Mercian is a pioneering presence in Koshu wine in Japan.
Starting development of Koshu wine in 1976, it created "Château Mercian Koshu Sur Lie," which became the standard for dry Koshu, and "Château Mercian Koshu Gris de Gris," which drew out the potential of Koshu grape skins.
Additionally, with the release of "Château Mercian Koshu Kiiroka," which created a major sensation as an aromatic Koshu, it is famous as one of Japan's leading wineries that continually challenges itself with diverse product developments to enhance the value of Koshu.
The two wines released this time are extraordinarily special Koshu bottlings for Château Mercian.
In other words, it is no exaggeration to say that they are currently the highest quality Koshu wines in Japan.
"Château Mercian Iwade Koshu Ortum 2020"
"Château Mercian Iwade Koshu Ortum 2020" is a white wine made exclusively from parcels that produce exceptionally superior grapes within the Iwade Vineyard in Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
"Ortum" means "rising" in Latin, and it is said to have been named with the hope that this wine will dramatically elevate the potential of Koshu.
With aromas of Japanese citrus such as sudachi and yuzu alongside nuances of white flowers, pleasant acidity and minerality linger long on the palate, making it the crowning pinnacle of Koshu wines from the winery.
About "Château Mercian Tsuruoka Koshu 2020"
Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a historic grape-growing region that has produced Koshu since the Edo period.
"Château Mercian Tsuruoka Koshu 2020" is crafted using Koshu grapes from the city's Tsuruoka district, expressing the unique characteristics of Koshu nurtured in a terroir distinct from that of Yamanashi Prefecture.
It offers aromas of citrus such as grapefruit, as well as "ripe fruit aromas" like white peach and banana, creating a bottle where moderate acidity and fruitiness harmonize beautifully.
For the winery, this is a special Koshu wine made from grapes from a new region, marking the first addition of a continuous contract-cultivation area in over 40 years.
Enjoy Japan's Finest Koshu
The featured "Château Mercian Iwade Koshu Ortum 2020" will be released in late September 2021 and will be available for purchase at the winery and the Kirin online shop "DRINX."
Meanwhile, "Château Mercian Tsuruoka Koshu 2020" will be available for purchase at the winery and the Kirin online shop from Tuesday, June 1, 2021 onward.
Many people strongly associate Koshu with Château Mercian.
Why not take this opportunity to taste these meticulously crafted Koshu wines produced by masters of Koshu?
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