Started in 1870, Chateau Mercian in Yamanashi Prefecture is Japan's oldest continuously operating winery. When they were founded, they sent two young men to France to study winemaking and it is the descendants of these early pioneers still running the winery to this day.
Koshu is a variety unique to Japan, a pink-skinned cross of unknown origin that was found growing wild in Yamanashi in 1186. Grown on the gravelly clay soil of the Iwasaki district, Mercian's Koshu has more body and depth than typical of this grape, which is enhanced by fermentation and aging in French oak barrels.
White flower, citrus oil and almond notes make for a very attractive nose. The palate is light and elegant, with a subtle creaminess and a long, balanced finish