Alcoholic beverages

JAL wine selection

JAL First Class passengers can enjoy specially selected wines from around the world. Pair a glass with a fine meal and enjoy a quality moment with us.
JAL has brought onboard Motohiro Okoshi, who has made his mark far and wide as a wine taster and wine director. Under his advisement, JAL have carefully selected wines that we invite you to pair with your meal and enjoy.

Some selections were awarded Gold, Silver medals from the world knowned wine competition, International Wine Challenge.

• JAL Wine Advisor Motohiro Okoshi's profile

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  Motohiro Okoshi
  Wine Taster

  • 2003 winner of first JALUX WINE AWARD
  • Popular lecturer at ACADEMIE DU VIN
  • International Sommelier Assocation, International A.S.I Sommelier

  Born on April 24, 1976 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Joined the service industry after working as bartender. Facinated by wines, he went to France and on returning to Japan, acquired a sommelier qualification in 2000. After participating in competitions and achieving experiences, he went to France again from 2006 for 2.5 years to deepen his understanding of wines. He continues to visit wineries and producers and communicate the essense of wines as Japan's first wine taster. Also knowledgeable of Japanese sake and sochu, which he highly acclaimed for creating the perfect match of wine, Japanese sake and cuisine.

Wine list

Salon 2007

Only Jal's First Class passengers, can enjoy the privilege of savoring the highest quality Champagne "Salon" in the stratosphere. Since it's very first vintage released in 1921, Salon's trademarks are the harmony of higly condensed, yet clear saltiness and acidity, along with a tight, strong body.
The 2007 vintage features intriguing characteristics such as fresh citrus, white pepper and chalky effervescence with nuances of minerals. As its temperature rises, flavors of pear and bread expand to create a more intricate aroma. This is a beautifully balanced, dry Champagne with a lingering afternote.
Relax and enjoy Salon's elaborate flavor, a special indulgence just for our First Class passengers.

Louis Roederer Cristal 2008

Cristal is one of the world’s oldest prestige cuvées, produced with quintessential Louis Roederer winemaking techniques. Cristal’s origin can be traced back to an 18th century anecdote; Alexander II, Czar of Russia, who had cherished Louis Roederer’s Champagnes, requested for one to be specially bottled in crystal bottles which would symbolize his fame. This wine is crafted from meticulously selected, top quality grapes harvested in their own vineyard. After bottling, Cristal is released only after a long maturation period of 6 years on average. Handmade in every aspect, pursuing the zenith of quality, this Champagne is in a class of its own. While the region of Champagne generally suffers dodgy weather in 6 out of 10 years, 2009 was a lucky year when winemakers could arbitrarily determine the best timing to harvest grapes ripened to absolute perfection. As a result, 2009 has become a noble vintage and a reflection of the impeccable terroirs which are the pride of Maison Louis Roederer. The Cristal 2009 vintage offers gentle flavors of pear and citrus, along with a yeasty hint of pain de mie, intricately mingled together. With itssuper-fine bubbles, thisis a dainty, soft cuvée with an impressive velvety taste on the palate from your firstsip to the last. Savorthe pleasant fruitiness and fresh, well-balanced acidity. The afternote lingers as you glide through the stratosphere.

Van Volxem Schiefer Riesling 2017

In the early 2000’s, this winemaker started crafting distinctly different wines that reflect the character of the terrior in Wiltingen, historically one of the most highly evaluated villages in the Mosel region of Germany. Van Volxem Schiefer prides itself on the traditional vineyards hugging the steep slopes and historical buildings. This Riesling is highly aromatic, with signature nuances of citrus and fragrances of apple and limestone. Many of the wines produced in this region are known for a slightly sweet tendency, yet Van Volxem Schiefer’s Riesling is dry with a wonderfully well-balanced, crisp acidity. This wine is proof that this region’s wines deserve a closer look once again.
〔Riesling〕

Chateau Lagrange 2014

Chateau Lagrange, located in Saint Julien, Bordeaux is a renowned winery even among its prestigious 3rd growth peers. Since 1983, when Suntory joined the ranks of management, its reputation has been further augmented. This claret has a sophisticated aroma that evokes cassis, mulch and licorice. Now at a gorgeous stage in its maturity, you can fully appreciate the flavors of gaiety alongside ripeness. This is a full-bodied Bordeaux, in which a complex afternote, smooth palate and elegant tannins are creating a beautiful harmony.
〔Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Others〕

Japanese Wine Craftspeople

Here is an introduction to a couple of wines made by Japanese overseas.

Chateau Igai Takaha SONO Pinot Noir 2016

This is the flagship wine of Chateau Igai Takaha, a winery named after the owner's family crest.
It was made the owner's wife, Miyoko Sugimoto, in mind. SONO is from a nickname for his wife's maiden name, Sonoda.
A sophisticated blend of bold fruitiness and refined acidity alongside a strong minerality make this a jewel of a wine.

KUSUDA Martinborough Pinot Noir 2017 (Japan=London / Paris route)

Ask any of the wine experts around the world, and they will attest to thebrilliant wines being produced by a rare breed: a Japanese winemaker, Kusuda in New Zealand.
Lush cranberry and plum notes are complemented by flavors evoking cloves and cinnamon, choreographing a complex aroma. Expansive acidity and well-matured, yet still fresh fruitiness emanate a rich and profound taste on your palate. Finely textured tannins and the long-lasting flavors segue into this wine's smooth, delightful afternote.
〔Pinot Noir〕

• *Please use the inflight meal search screen for more information about brands and the routes that serve them.
• *Brands are subject to change. As supply is limited, your preference may not be available.

Japanese Rice Wine (Sake)

We offer a broad selection of Japanese sake that are often difficult to find. Our shochu options are the well-knowned "Moriizo" and "Hyakunen no Kodoku".

Some selections were awarded Gold, Silver medals from the world knowned wine competition, International Wine Challenge "Sake Department".

Japanese Rice Wine (Sake) list

Toyo Bijin (East Asian Beauty) – Tokugin Banshu Aiyama

Rare “Aiyama” rice grown in Hyogo Prefec ture is used as Kake-mai, while the Koji-mai is “Yamada Nishiki” locally harvested in Yamaguchi Prefec ture. Both are lavishly polished to 40% and the sake is brewed leisurely at low temperature. Fruit y and color ful aromas amuse your senses followed by a transparent elegance and velvet y sweetness on the palate. Enjoy Toyo Bijin’s mellow af ternote evoking lush fruits.
(Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Zaku – Kaizan Ittekisui

This Junmai Daiginjo was crafted using Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 40%. Aromas conjure up Japanese pear and melon and, af ter a jaunt y at tack,the sake’s Umami gently envelopes your palate with its vibrant , sonorous acidit y and a hint of bit terness. Continue to savor ZAKU’s dignif ied flavor through its exquisite af ternote that evokes Japanese elegance.
(Mie Prefecture)

Non-alcoholic beverages