When speaking of Japan's leading Merlot-producing region, Shiojiri in Nagano Prefecture comes to mind.
Now, Domaine Kosei, a winery located in Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, has launched advance sales of an online-exclusive two-bottle set featuring two expressions of "Kataoka Merlot 2020" aged in barrels made of oak from the two major regions.
Furthermore, it comes with free shipping.
Let us take a look at the details.
"Kataoka Merlot" Series
The grapes used for Domaine Kosei's "Kataoka Merlot" series are 100% Merlot cultivated in their own estate vineyards in Kataoka, Shiojiri.
In addition, after harvest and vinification, the wines were aged in oak barrels for approximately 11 months.
There are two varieties—French oak, made from French wood, and American oak, made from American wood—characterized by the delicate and captivating flavors brought forth by the different barrels.
The releases this time are the 2020 harvest "Kataoka Merlot 2020" French Oak and American Oak (both priced at a suggested retail price of 4,290 yen including tax / 750 ml).
Limited to only 4,000 bottles each, they are bound to sell out quickly.
Grand Gold Medal Winner at the Bordeaux Sake Challenge
Kosei Ajimura, representative of Domaine Kosei, has an impressive background as chief winemaker at Chateau Mercian Katsunuma Winery.
In his second chapter as a winemaker, he focused on crafting single-varietal wines from locally grown Merlot in Shinshu Shiojiri.
Having begun winemaking in 2019, Domaine Kosei's first release red wine, "Kataoka Merlot 2019" (already sold out), was awarded the Grand Gold Medal last year at the Bordeaux Sake Challenge, a European competition that selects the world's finest and newest alcoholic beverages.
As "Kataoka Merlot 2020" offered in this advance sale marks the second release in the series, expectations are running high.
Mr. Ajimura commented, "Being recognized in the heart of Bordeaux has reassured us that our winemaking direction—pursuing Merlot in Shinshu Shiojiri—was indeed the right path."
The arrival of a Japanese wine capable of competing on the global stage is delightful news for Japanese wine fans.
Check it out now!
For more details on the wines available in this advance sale, please check the sales page.
It is undeniably a rare wine that you simply must drink now.
It is a must-see for Japanese wine enthusiasts.
Details
Details
■ Advance Sales Page
https://hamada-yonezawa.shop-pro.jp/?pid=166640138
■ You can access the purchasing site for various Domaine Kosei wines from each item listed under WINE PROFILE on the official website. ( https://domaine-kosei.com/store2020.html )
■ Information regarding new releases and updates is shared on Instagram and Facebook. (https://www.instagram.com/domaine_kosei/ )