Domaine Mie Ikeno Merlot 750ml 2022

Domaine Mie Ikeno In the spring of 2007, Mie Ikeno began cultivating wine grapes on a gently sloping hill at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. With the desire to “create high-quality wine from 100% estate-grown grapes,” the first step was taken. After four years, the vines began to bear small clusters of grapes, and a winery was built, leading to the birth of Domaine Mie Ikeno. The entire process, from grape cultivation to winemaking, is carried out exclusively in their own vineyard and winery facilities.

Winery Completed in the fall of 2011, this winery is a concrete structure with one above-ground floor and two basement levels. Designed with a female winemaker in mind, the floor is a bright red, the ceiling has a wooden texture, and the lighting, crafted by a female designer, adds a charming touch. Architect Mikio Imamura, who oversaw the design, commented, “The concept was necessity. The design was inspired by the vineyards and the majestic mountains and sky, which evoke a sense of reverence for nature. Our goal was to create a winery that blends into the environment, as if it has always been here.”

On the top floor, harvested grapes are destemmed, crushed, and pressed before naturally falling into fermentation tanks on the first basement floor. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to barrels on the second basement floor (with white wine fermenting directly in the barrels), utilizing gravity to ensure a seamless process. Thoughtful design elements are incorporated throughout, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to be fully realized.

Winemaking That Respects Nature We employ Japan's first gravity-assisted winemaking method known as the "Gravity Flow System." This approach minimizes mechanical intervention by eliminating the use of pumps. Compared to pump-driven movement, this method treats the grapes and wine more gently, preserving the delicate characteristics of the grapes. As a result, it allows for the creation of elegant and distinctive wines without compromising the natural qualities of the grapes.