Château Mercian
Nagano Merlot
Nagano, Japan
Château Mercian – Koshu “Gris de Gris” 2015
Yamanashi Prefecture – Japan 🇯🇵
Overview
Koshu, Japan’s signature white grape, is believed to trace its origins back over 1,000 years via the Silk Road. “Gris de Gris” refers to its slightly pinkish-gray skins, which receive gentle maceration before fermentation, giving the wine a pale onion-skin hue and added depth. Château Mercian, one of Japan’s most historic wineries, elevates Koshu into a refined and distinctive style.
Aromas & Flavors
Subtle yet intriguing: citrus blossom, white peach, yuzu, and delicate pear, intertwined with mineral undertones. The brief skin contact lends nuance of almond skin, faint spice, and a gentle savory edge.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied but textural, with crisp acidity and a fine, almost saline minerality. The wine shows elegance rather than intensity, finishing clean, dry, and graceful.
Food Pairing
Perfect alongside sushi and sashimi, steamed shellfish, or light tempura. Its umami-friendly profile also makes it a fascinating partner for miso-based dishes or soba noodles.
Verdict
A sophisticated expression of Japan’s most emblematic grape. This 2015 Koshu Gris de Gris shows how delicacy and refinement can carry as much weight as power, offering a subtle but unforgettable wine experience. Cheers!
🍇 Educational Note: Koshu is unique among international varieties—it’s naturally low in alcohol, softly perfumed, and deeply tied to Japan’s culinary heritage. Styles like “Gris de Gris” demonstrate how traditional Japanese precision in winemaking can highlight elegance over boldness.
Château Mercian – Koshu “Gris de Gris” 2015
Yamanashi Prefecture – Japan 🇯🇵
Overview
Koshu, Japan’s signature white grape, is believed to trace its origins back over 1,000 years via the Silk Road. “Gris de Gris” refers to its slightly pinkish-gray skins, which receive gentle maceration before fermentation, giving the wine a pale onion-skin hue and added depth. Château Mercian, one of Japan’s most historic wineries, elevates Koshu into a refined and distinctive style.
Aromas & Flavors
Subtle yet intriguing: citrus blossom, white peach, yuzu, and delicate pear, intertwined with mineral undertones. The brief skin contact lends nuance of almond skin, faint spice, and a gentle savory edge.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied but textural, with crisp acidity and a fine, almost saline minerality. The wine shows elegance rather than intensity, finishing clean, dry, and graceful.
Food Pairing
Perfect alongside sushi and sashimi, steamed shellfish, or light tempura. Its umami-friendly profile also makes it a fascinating partner for miso-based dishes or soba noodles.
Verdict
A sophisticated expression of Japan’s most emblematic grape. This 2015 Koshu Gris de Gris shows how delicacy and refinement can carry as much weight as power, offering a subtle but unforgettable wine experience. Cheers!
🍇 Educational Note: Koshu is unique among international varieties—it’s naturally low in alcohol, softly perfumed, and deeply tied to Japan’s culinary heritage. Styles like “Gris de Gris” demonstrate how traditional Japanese precision in winemaking can highlight elegance over boldness.