Château Mercian - Mariko Winery
These unique red wines showcase the full skill of the award-winning Mariko Winery.
Mariko Merlot 2019
A powerful yet balanced Merlot from Mariko Vineyard in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. The vines grow on the Jinba Plateau. The 2019 vintage combines concentrated fruit, ripe aromas and a pronounced tannin structure with the elegance and freshness that characterise this high-altitude vineyard.
In the glass, the wine is dark ruby red. Intense aromas of blackberry, cassis and ripe strawberry unfold on the nose, complemented by hints of dried fruit. Around 13 months of maturation in oak bring subtle notes of vanilla and resinous, spicy wood without masking the fruit. On the palate, pleasant acidity and concentrated fruit combine with powerful, dense tannins. The long finish is carried by ripe berries and spicy oak notes. Already very approachable, the wine also has further potential for bottle ageing. A characterful food-pairing wine for braised beef tongue, roast game, duck breast with orange sauce or hearty braised dishes.
| Grape variety | Merlot |
| Overview | red wine, dry 13% vol. Ageing potential: ~2034 |
| Aromas | blackberry, cassis, strawberry, dried fruit, vanilla and spicy oak notes. |
| Tannins | Powerful |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Oak | Subtle to medium |
| Barrel ageing | Approx. 13 months 5% new oak |
| Food pairing | An excellent match for braised beef tongue, roast game, duck breast with orange sauce, oven-baked spare ribs or chocolate desserts. |
| Origin | Japan, Nagano Prefecture, Mariko Vineyard |
| Allergens | Sulphites |
More information on Nutrition & Ingredients
€81,50
€108,67/1l
Inklusive Steuern
Menge:
Available from 15 September 2026
Mariko Omnis 2018
Omnis 2018 is Château Mercian's flagship cuvée from Mariko Vineyard in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. The name “Omnis” means “everything” in Latin and reflects the ambition to unite the character and complete terroir of Mariko Vineyard in a single wine. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot combine in a powerful, complex and long-lived red wine of great depth.
In the glass, the wine is dark garnet red. The nose is complex and intense, with aromas of cassis and plum, complemented by earthy notes of forest floor, hints of conifer and fine clove spice. Long maturation in oak adds nuances of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, Omnis is concentrated and structured, with balanced acidity, powerful fine-grained tannins and a long, aromatic finish. With further bottle ageing, the tannin structure should become even smoother and more velvety. A characterful partner for roast beef, game dishes, braised lamb or hearty dishes with dark sauces.
| Grape varieties | Merlot 41%, Cabernet Franc 27%, Cabernet Sauvignon 23%, Petit Verdot 9% |
| Overview | red wine, dry 12.5% vol. Ageing potential: ~2043 |
| Aromas | cassis, plum, forest floor, conifer, clove, vanilla and chocolate. |
| Tannins | Powerful and dense |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Oak | Present and well integrated |
| Barrel ageing | 17 months in oak |
| Food pairing | An excellent match for roast beef, game dishes, braised lamb or hearty dishes with dark sauces. |
| Origin | Japan, Nagano, Ueda, Mariko Vineyard |
| Allergens | Sulphites |
More information on Nutrition & Ingredients
€239,90
€319,87/1l
Inklusive Steuern
Menge:
Available from 15 September 2026
From our own vineyard to our own winery
In 2003, Château Mercian opened Mariko Vineyard on the Jinba Plateau near Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. The quality of the grapes grown there and the international recognition of the wines ultimately led to the opening of Château Mercian Mariko Winery in 2019 – right in the middle of its own vineyards.
Diversity on a distinctive terroir
Around eight different grape varieties are grown in Mariko Vineyard, including Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. The vines are trained using the Vertical Shoot Positioning system and vinified separately according to site and cultivation method in order to express the different characteristics of the terroir as precisely as possible.
Precision to perfection
Each wine is also treated individually during maturation. Two barrel cellars with different temperatures allow Château Mercian to age the wines under the conditions best suited to each one and to guide their individual development with precision.
Our history
The key milestones in our company's history
1877
The beginnings of Japanese winemaking
With the founding of Dai-Nihon Yamanashi Budoshu Gaisha, Japan's first private wine company was established. Two young employees were sent to France to bring European knowledge of viticulture and cellar techniques back to Japan.
1949
The Mercian brand is born
With “Mercian”, one of Japan's first modern post-war wine brands emerged – with the ambition of producing authentic Japanese wines at an international level.
1966
Japan's first international gold medal
Mercian 1962 White became the first Japanese wine to win a gold medal at an international wine competition, attracting international attention.
1970
Founding of Château Mercian
Château Mercian was established as a premium wine brand, embodying the ambition to produce high-quality Japanese wines with international appeal.
1976
Merlot in Kikyogahara
Château Mercian began growing Merlot in Kikyogahara, Nagano. The region later developed into one of Japan's most important terroirs for this grape variety.
1998
Know-how from Château Margaux
Paul Pontallier of Château Margaux advised Château Mercian. The wines from Kikyogahara, Jyonohira and Mariko in particular benefited from new impulses towards greater precision and elegance.
2003
Mariko Vineyard is established
In Ueda, Nagano, Château Mercian developed Mariko Vineyard. The vineyard, managed entirely by the winery itself, became a central project for top-quality wines shaped by their terroir.
2018
Opening of Kikyogahara Winery
Château Mercian opened a small winery specialising in top-quality wines in Shiojiri. Its main focus is the renowned Merlot wines from Kikyogahara.
2019
Opening of Mariko Winery
The first winery in the city of Ueda opened in the heart of the approximately 30-hectare Mariko Vineyard. Here, viticulture and vinification take place directly at the same location.
2020–2021
Mariko joins the world's elite
Mariko Winery was ranked 30th worldwide and named Best in Asia by “World’s Best Vineyards”, and was again selected among the world's best wineries the following year.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like help choosing a wine, please feel free to contact us directly. We will be happy to advise you personally and assist you.
