Winery Overview & History
Château Mercian is Japan’s pioneering fine-wine estate. With roots tracing to 1877, it helped introduce European winemaking to Japan and is today part of Kirin’s Mercian group. The winery champions Japanese terroir and craftsmanship, crafting wines that are precise, pure and gastronomic.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Vineyards span cool, mountainous sites including Yamanashi (Koshu) on the foothills of Mt. Fuji and Nagano (notably the Mariko and Kikyogahara areas). Volcanic and alluvial soils—gravel, clay and decomposed granite—combine with large diurnal shifts to deliver delicacy, minerality and slow, even ripening.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Flagship varieties include Japan’s indigenous Koshu (white) and Muscat Bailey A (red), alongside Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir from high-altitude sites. Styles lean toward elegance and precision: citrus, white flowers and saline minerality for Koshu; red cherry, tea leaf and gentle spice for Muscat Bailey A; and finely structured, cool-climate expressions for the international grapes.
Signature Wines
- Château Mercian Koshu — Benchmark Japanese white, crystal-clear and mineral.
- Mariko Vineyard series — Single-vineyard bottlings (e.g., Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot) showing Nagano’s altitude and purity.
- Muscat Bailey A — A polished, modern take on Japan’s emblematic red.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Grapes are hand-picked and sorted parcel by parcel. Gentle pressing preserves clarity for Koshu; cool fermentations in stainless steel and, when suited, neutral or lightly toasted French oak deliver texture without heaviness. Red wines see carefully judged maceration and élevage to maintain finesse and umami-friendly balance.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: Tours and tastings by reservation; visitor facilities in Koshu, Yamanashi and selected Nagano sites.
Website: www.chateaumercian.com
General Inquiries: Use the contact form on the official website.
* Photo Courtesy of Tripadvisor