"Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2023" Wins Gold Medal at "Decanter World Wine Awards 2026"

Mercian Corporation (President: Masamitsu Otsuka) is pleased to announce that "Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2023" received a gold medal at the "Decanter World Wine Awards 2026," one of the world's largest wine competitions hosted by the British wine magazine "Decanter," held in the UK from May 4 (Mon) to May 15 (Fri), 2026.

In addition, three wines, including "Château Mercian Iwasaki Koshu 2024," received silver medals, and three wines, including "Château Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris 2023," received bronze medals.

We interpret the high evaluation of wines primarily made from Koshu, a grape variety indigenous to Japan, as an indication that our winemaking rooted in Japanese terroir is being recognized within international quality standards.

● "Decanter World Wine Awards"

This is one of the world's largest wine competitions, hosted by the British wine magazine "Decanter" and held annually since 2004. Judging is conducted through "blind tasting" with labels concealed, and evaluations are determined through a rigorous selection process by experts from around the world, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers.

● Gold Medal Winning Wine

"Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2023"

This is a dry wine with a pleasant acidity and a solid, full body, offering aromas of refreshing fruits such as Japanese citrus and green apple. This wine uses "Koshu," a grape variety indigenous to Japan that has been cultivated in Yamanashi Prefecture for a long time.

● Award Comments

Hironori Kobayashi, Business Headquarters General Manager, Château Mercian

We are deeply honored by this award. All the Koshu wines recognized this time have been carefully crafted to express the unique character of their respective vineyards.

Furthermore, receiving broad recognition for multiple Koshu wines reflects the multifaceted appreciation of our efforts in Koshu grapes and wine to date. In particular, the high evaluation of "Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2023," which complements Japanese cuisine and is available at an accessible price point, is a very encouraging sign of the further potential of Japanese wine.

We will continue to strive to sincerely express the individuality of the land and convey the appeal of Japanese wine both domestically and internationally.

Under its corporate purpose, "Turning Nature's Bounty into Happiness," Mercian will continue to offer various proposals that allow people to enjoy rich moments with wine, along with nature-positive initiatives, fostering connections between people.

Overview of Awards

【Overview of "Decanter World Wine Awards 2026"】

◆ Competition Name: "Decanter World Wine Awards 2026"

◆ Organizer: Decanter (British wine magazine)

◆ Judging Period: May 4 (Mon) - May 15 (Fri), 2026

◆ Venue: London, UK

◆ Results Announcement Date: June 17 (Wed), 2026

【Our Award-Winning Wines】

◆ 1 Gold Medal

・ "Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2023"

◆ 3 Silver Medals

・ "Château Mercian Iwasaki Koshu 2024"

・ "Château Mercian Mikoshi Koshu Barrel Fermented 2024"

・ "Château Mercian Koshu Kiiroka, Un Hommage à Taka 2024"

◆ 3 Bronze Medals

・ "Château Mercian Iwade Koshu Kiiroka Cuvée Ueno 2025"

・ "Château Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris 2023"

・ "Château Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris Special Selection 2024"