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2009 International Service Wine Selection We are proud to introduce our First Class and Business Class wine selection to be served on our international flights from March 2009. Our wines are selected in blind taste tests by wine connoisseurs. This year, we were honored to have Agitadashi in our selection committee, the authors of the comic book “Kami-no Shizuku” which features wines popular in France, Japan and Korea. They have thoroughly mastered the knowledge of wines and their advice was key in choosing our choice selection.

2009 International Service Wine Selection 2009 International Flight Japanese Sake Selection
The highest quality wines chosen from a selection of over 1,000 wines.

The in-flight wine selection is one of element that shows the characteristics of the airline. Many airlines prefer to ask wine journalists and wine professionals to choose their wines, but ANA takes a unique approach. The wines must pass a rigorous blind tasting by a group of wine connoisseurs who have a mission to choose the best tasting wines for our customers.

First, 155 wines were selected from 1024 wines through document screening. Then, the selection committee of 30 persons, including ANA's wine advisor and senior sommelier Katsuhito Inoue and our cabin attendants / in-flight service chefs with a sommelier certification, held a blind taste testing.

To make selections based on taste and in order not to discriminate the wines, the wine bottles are covered in black plastic and numbered at the blind taste testing.

Agitadashi, the authors of the comic book Kami-no Shizuku”, participates in the blind taste testing.
For our 2009 wine selection, Agitadashi, the authors of the comic book "Kami-no Shizuku", joined the selection committee for the blind taste testing. Their knowledge was a valuable factor in choosing our wines.

While the document screening narrowed down the blind tasting selections into the highest quality wines, the two authors took the wine combination with the in-flight meals into consideration as well.

"We put the focus of our selection to 'complimenting with time', as well as 'stability'. For instance, astringent wines are opened to breathe before it is enjoyed, but this will be a challenge during the dining experience on a flight." "Since the selection is for a Japanese airline, I would love to introduce elegant wines that best resembles Japan to customers from around the world."

The blind taste testing proceeded in a relaxed mood while the two authors carefully evaluated the wines.

"It was a new experience for us to choose wines for someone other than ourselves, and it was such a pleasure to be able to select wines for ANA's First Class and Business Class customers." Please enjoy our final selection of wines, carefully chosen with Agitadashi and their desire to please our customers.

First Class

Only highest quality select wines from around the world suitable for First Class will be offered. World appraised wine from a Japanese winery is also selected based on the taste and aroma. Vintage wines from France, Germany, Australia and California selections are also available. Please enjoy the marriage of food and wine and experience the superlative flight in First Class.
Partial introduction to our wine selection Click to search wine selection by route or class of service
Nagano Merlot 2006
This wine is produced in Kikyogahara, Shiojiri City in Nagano where the best Merlot wines are produced in Japan. It carries soft acidity and crisp fruit flavors, creating a superb balance.
Mercian Website
 
Solaris Shinshu Chardonnay Maceration Limitee 2007
The chardonnay grapes used in this wine are grown in Komoro City, Nagano and cultivated using the 'rain cut' method.
It has won numerous awards in international competitions and best represents the quality of Japanese wines.
To Solaris Website
Chateau Bergat 2005
Classified as a Grand Cru Classe in Saint-Emilion with an annual production of approximately 1,000 cases, Chateau Bergat is known as a maker of rare, superb wine.
 
Meursault 1er Cru Bouches
Established in 1832, Laboure-Roi is one of the largest negociant in Bourgogne region who produces this luscious chardonnay with citrus sweetness and a hint of nuts.

Business Class

The finest choice of red and white wines produced by top caliber wineries from around the world, were selected to compliment the menu in our Business Class. Enjoy popular well-balanced wines or discover new labels.

Partial introduction to our wine selection Click to search wine selection by route or class of service
Mercurey 2007
This Pinot Noir from the Bourgogne region in France has a clean flavor with the rich acidity of red colored fruits and soft tannins.
 
Babich Marlborough Savignon Blanc 2008
Babich Wines established in Auckland, New Zealand by Josip Babich in 1916. With abundant fruit aromas, this wine received preference evaluation in various wine magazines.
 
Champagne Champagne Champagne
For 2009, our Business Class champagne selection is from Drappier. They own the world's oldest cellar, have a long and distinguished history, and remain family-run since its establishment in 1808. In addition to growing their own grapes, they make their wines based on the philosophy of the Drappier family, which is to 'let nature perform as much as possible,' and by taking advantage of the terroir's (the natural environment for growing grapes that have an effect on the flavor of wine) quality and characteristics.
 
Profile of Agitadashi
'Agitadashi' is the pen name for the brother and sister author team known for their comic book "Kami-no Shizuku" which features rare wines. A live-action drama version of "Kami-no Shizuku" is being aired on Nippon Television Network (Tuesdays from 10 p.m.) and Agitadashi are currently the wine commentators in the spotlight. In Korea, "Kami-no Shizuku" is also a bestseller, selling over 2.2 million copies and will be made into a live-action drama later this year, starring Yong Joon Bae.Katsuhito Inoue and our cabin attendants / in-flight service chefs with a sommelier certification, held a blind taste testing.