[New Service] Japan wine on ANA

Mercian Corp. has announced that its 2006 Chateau Mercian Niizuru Chardonnay has been chosen as one of the wines to be served in first class on ANA’s international flights from this month through February 2009.

Wines served on the carrier’s international flights undergo an annual selection process that involves blind tasting of 200 wines from 1,200 candidates from around the world, by a team of experts led by Katsuhito Inoue, the chef sommelier of the ANA InterContinental Tokyo hotel. It is the first time in a decade that a Japanese wine has been selected in the final 20 bottles.

The 2006 Niizuru Chardonnay is made from grapes grown in Niizuru district of Fukushima Prefecture, where there is a 30-year history of viticulture. The hilly vineyards, well-drained soil, abundant sun and cool nights produce ideal grapes for wines with a fresh aroma of apple, pear, peach, lime, elegant acidity and a hint of toast. The elegant wine goes well with grilled shrimp, eggplant with miso or codfish gratin.

For more details, visit Mercian’s Japanese Web site at www.mercian.co.jp
or contact (03)3231-3961

by Minami Iijima staff writer
The article appeard in March 4 issue of The Japan Times.