Synopsis

In 1995, Anzo who got a master's degree from the University of Tokyo entered Château Mercian in Katsunuma town of Yamanashi Prefecture to make his dream of making wine come true. After joining the company, he spent his days mowing the fields and had no opportunity to do anything about wine. Meanwhile, he met Usuke Asai (Shogo Asai), a senior employee of the company and a leader in the Japanese wine industry. He was impressed by Usuke's high level insight and his personality. He eventually became involved in winemaking and met people with friendly rivalry relationships who were engaged in winemaking. Among them, there was Masako, who later became Anzo's wife. Later, Anzo was transferred to the head office and had to leave the winery. However, a famous winemaker whom he met during that time inspired him to think about the future of Japanese wine. With a recommendation from Asai, he returned to the winery in 1998. Anzo, returning to the winery, succeeded in replanting to make his ideal wine with Asai's effort. The winemaker made a bold proposal, that he would harvest and select Merlot, a European variety of grape in Shiojiri, Nagano by himself. After struggling to convince reluctant grape farmers and suffering unforeseen injuries, he succeeded in stocking two barrels of special Merlot. Masako, on the other hand, had been working on a project for Domaine, but she gave up on it due to a difference in direction. When she was forced to redesign her life, she met Anzo again. Conscious that they were somewhat attracted to each other, they began their lives together. Anzo was then transferred to Bordeaux, France, where he immersed himself in winemaking without any hindrance. Meanwhile, the release of special Merlot Anzo brewed himself was decided. Because the serial number on the label was hand-written, it was named "Kikyogahara Merlot Signature 1998". While the evil hand of illness approached Asai. Anzo and Masako were shocked to see Asai even being told how long he had before he died. Asai gave Anzo a word with his heart "Please carry on the wine industry of Japan". Fifteen years later, both Anzo and Masako were working day by day to create wine with the hope of catching up with and surpassing the ideal Japanese wine that Asai pursued. Anzo inherited Asai's thoughts and strived to unite the Japanese wine industry, to "make Japan a world-class winemaking center".