Château Mercian
Unwooded Chardonnay
Nagano, Japan
Château Mercian – Nagano Chardonnay (Unwooded) 2014 Nagano – Japan 🇯🇵
Overview
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this expression is crafted in an unwooded, steely style to highlight freshness rather than ageworthiness. Tasting it after a decade was unexpected — proof that even a wine not built for long cellaring can still deliver character and charm. (Educational note: Unwooded Chardonnays are generally meant to be consumed young, but high-acid climates like Nagano can sometimes extend their life.)
Aromas & Flavors
Baked pear, yellow plum, and stone fruits mingle with oxidative notes of dried apple and almond. Hints of citrus peel and honeyed tones appear, adding layers beyond its simple youth-driven origins.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a textured feel, softened by oxidation yet balanced by lingering acidity. Not bone-dry, showing a gentle roundness and a surprisingly long finish.
Food Pairings
Best with roasted poultry, creamy seafood, or mushroom risotto. Also pairs nicely with aged cheeses or Japanese izakaya fare like yakitori or miso eggplant.
Verdict
An over-a-decade-old unwooded Chardonnay that exceeded expectations. Oxidized yet balanced, with fruit, texture, and surprising persistence — a fascinating snapshot of Nagano’s cool-climate potential. 🍷
Did You Know?
Nagano, Japan, is one of the country’s leading wine regions, where elevation and cool nights help retain acidity — crucial for both crisp whites and elegant reds.
Hidden Gem 💎
Japanese Chardonnays rarely make it beyond their local markets, and aged unwooded styles are even rarer — this bottle proved how Nagano can surprise even seasoned tasters.
Château Mercian – Nagano Chardonnay (Unwooded) 2014 Nagano – Japan 🇯🇵
Overview
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this expression is crafted in an unwooded, steely style to highlight freshness rather than ageworthiness. Tasting it after a decade was unexpected — proof that even a wine not built for long cellaring can still deliver character and charm. (Educational note: Unwooded Chardonnays are generally meant to be consumed young, but high-acid climates like Nagano can sometimes extend their life.)
Aromas & Flavors
Baked pear, yellow plum, and stone fruits mingle with oxidative notes of dried apple and almond. Hints of citrus peel and honeyed tones appear, adding layers beyond its simple youth-driven origins.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a textured feel, softened by oxidation yet balanced by lingering acidity. Not bone-dry, showing a gentle roundness and a surprisingly long finish.
Food Pairings
Best with roasted poultry, creamy seafood, or mushroom risotto. Also pairs nicely with aged cheeses or Japanese izakaya fare like yakitori or miso eggplant.
Verdict
An over-a-decade-old unwooded Chardonnay that exceeded expectations. Oxidized yet balanced, with fruit, texture, and surprising persistence — a fascinating snapshot of Nagano’s cool-climate potential. 🍷
Did You Know?
Nagano, Japan, is one of the country’s leading wine regions, where elevation and cool nights help retain acidity — crucial for both crisp whites and elegant reds.
Hidden Gem 💎
Japanese Chardonnays rarely make it beyond their local markets, and aged unwooded styles are even rarer — this bottle proved how Nagano can surprise even seasoned tasters.
Well balanced, baked pear and stone fruits, yellow plums. Not so dry, buy lingering and clean finish.
Well balanced, baked pear and stone fruits, yellow plums. Not so dry, buy lingering and clean finish.
Jul 7th, 2017