Château Mercian Koshu Gris de Gris, Fuefuki is an exceptional expression of Japanese wine, boasting complex flavours from 8 months aging in oak barrels and delicate skin contact from the Koshu grape. Enjoy its subtle aromas of apricot, candied pear, Darjeeling, and old Rose, and textural charms on the palate. This gentle wine pairs perfectly with Asian dishes, asparagus risotto, and Fresh Water fish.

Critic Review

Decanter Magazine: 92Pts (2021 Vintage)
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2026

"Orange wine macerated for three weeks on its skins, then fermented and aged in stainless steel and oak before eight months’ ageing in 62% old French oak, 1% old American oak and 37% stainless steel. Ripe apple, tea leaf and quince aromas, pleasant acidity leading to a pinch of bitterness on the aftertaste. Richly textured with great complexity."
Hayato Kojima

About the Producer

Château Mercian grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, whilst experimenting with Albarino, Mencia and others, and has always shared its long experience of producing wine in Japan with every other producer in the region. Château Mercian is the oldest established winery in Japan, starting out in 1870 having sent two young men to France to understand wine making in the European tradition. Indeed the descendants of these two men are still growing Koshu for Mercian today.

Vineyard and Winery

Koshu grapes are grown in the Fuefuki district, one of the 13 cities located in Yamanashi Prefecture. Harvest takes place from late September to early October. This wine spends 3 weeks on skins to achieve the vibrant apricot-skin hue. Fermentation in a stainless steel tank at 24 to 26 degrees for about 28 days, in an oak barrel at 20 to 22 degrees for about 14 days. The wine spends 8 months in oak barrels.