August 27: Even as Indian flyers in the economy class of Air India are served Sula Dindori red wine in the small plastic bottle, at warm, room temperatures, Japan’s All Nippon Airways has announced offering Japanese red wine as part of its in-flight service for first class passengers, writes Subhash Arora who feels the Indian carriers like Air-India should take a page of the Japanese book on international promotion by offering super-premium Indian wines as an option in the Business and First Class
Solaris Shinshu Chikumagawa Merlot Nagano 2016, the wine to be served on North American and Honolulu routes from September to November, is made by Manns Wines Co. at the Komoro Winery in Nagano Prefecture in central Honshu. Priced at an average of $47 in Japan, it has earned 2/5 stars from www.wine-searcher.com though it has won 4 Silver medals in international competitions. Manns Wines is owned by soy sauce producer Kikkoman which owns two wineries on Japan. The Komoro Winery makes Solaris and other labels made solely from Japanese-grown grapes, according to a report
Manns Wines’ Solaris range had been served at a dinner hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when US President Donald Trump visited Japan in November 2017. It may be noted that like Mr Modi, he is also a teetotaller. In India however, no wine or alcohol is served at State banquets.
Serving local wines of high quality has several benefits due to many influential customers travelling in first class. “We hope our Nagano wine will attract more attention, as there are many influential customers in our first class section,” Junko Yazawa, general manager of ANA’s sales headquarters for the Chubu region, said at a press conference at the prefectural government office. Manns Wines President Dai Shimazaki, who studied in Bordeaux, said: “I’m confident that this wine will satisfy people all over the world.” Japanese wine industry is also relatively young, like India.
Unlike the Indian government, the Japanese government has been proactive in promoting regional products. A large selection of Japanese wines and sakes along with local produce from radioactive-tainted areas were showcased in the meals served to world leaders during the Osaka G20summit held in July. The Summit last month was also attended by PM Narendra Modi from India.
Local produce featured including wines, grains, Tajima beef and maitake mushrooms. Some wee from the nuclear affected Iwate Prefecture with a hope to convince G20 leaders to lift import bans imposed after the meltdown of Fukushima nuclear plant.
Indian Government should take more pro-active role in promoting ‘Made in India’ Products and perhaps incentivise sale of Indian wines of super-premium quality like Sula Rasa and Sparkling Shiraz and Chardonnay Brut, Grover’s Insignia and Chene, Fratelli J’Noon, Sette and M/S, Karishma Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc. Of course, Chandon Brut and Brut Rose can be poured proudly for any international or Indian First Class/Business Class passengers too. . Air-India could be made to toe the line to start with, but sincere efforts might be required to sell to other carriers flying out of India and these would be international brand building investments. Of course, the wines offered would need to be tasted for drinking under cabin pressure at the height of 35,000- 39,000 feet as the flavours change at that height and with cabin pressure being different than on the ground.
Subhash Arora
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