Original subtitles

Is this all right?

Thank you.

I read the article about you winning.

Great that you've beaten Alexandre Léger's daughter.

Too bad for her. The media will make fun of her in her country.

Pretty embarrassing for her.

It's very kind of you to worry about me,

but the battle is not over yet. It's just one loss.

I don't speak good Japanese, but I understand quite a lot.

This is ridiculous.

I agree.

Your father never spoke to me about you.

I only found out he had a daughter at the lawyer's office.

I'm not surprised.

Look at me.

Could you stand up, please?

So...

you're here for the inheritance?

I'm here for my inheritance.

Seems like your father thought different.

Turn toward each other.

And your father?

How does he feel about this?

Move closer.

Closer.

Closer.

I think that's enough, right?

Yes, yes. But a little bit more.

Can you smile at each other, please?

Shall I serve you more tea?

I've had enough.

Could you get my husband?

We're going to be late.

I will.

People in Japan are excited about this victory

because it was against an opponent from France, the homeland of wine.

On the other hand, it's not surprising for the Tomine Group,

who was always known to pursue excellence...

He is not in his room.

It seems he didn't sleep here last night.

The number you have dialed is not in service.

He says he has to give it to you personally.

Please.

If you'll excuse me.

Honoka.

Honoka.

Do you want some?

It's pretty, isn't it?

Thomas, stop, stop. Be nice to our guests, Thomas.

I'm sorry, he's usually on time, but this time...

Oh, no, no. Don't worry. It's part of the French charm.

Here comes our master of wine.

Meet my good friend and expert, Alexandre Léger.

Hello, everyone!

My apologies for the delay.

Let's start with the tastings. Okay?

Please, come with me.

Who does he think he is?

This is a local wine.

Vintage, 1984.

As you will notice, it has a nice roundness to it.

It's fruity, and at the same time, quite tannic.

It's a complex wine, made from different grape varieties.

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault,

Terret noir,

Counoise,

Vaccarèse, Muscardin,

Clairette, Piquepoul, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picardan.

Not easy, right?

Is that the best you have?

It's a pretty basic wine.

Basic?

This is a Grand Cru which has a solid reputation.

It has a lot of success.

The fact that wine merchants buy it,

doesn't make it a good wine.

No, of course not.

I'd like to taste a rare wine with personality...

that can't be found in Japan. That's why we're here.

What did he say?

Mr. Onoyama wishes you good luck. Miss Tomine is not easy to impress.

Very well.

Challenge accepted.

You're right, Miss.

The domination of expensive wines is unbearable.

We mostly pay for their labels.

Here you go.

This wine has a strong personality.

Philippe doesn't sell many of these and it's a pity.

Well, there you go!

Where are you going tomorrow?

To Cairanne, Domaine de la Touche Poupeaux.

Do you know them?

What nonsense.

You should cancel your visit.

I know Gérald. He'll have you taste uninteresting wines.

I can introduce you to a fellow winemaker who is much more talented.

He'll be happy to have you over. Especially if I sent you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Léger. You are very generous.

My pleasure.

Once again, thank you, Mr. Chassangre.

It was an unforgettable day.

- Come back anytime. - Thank you.

Mr. Léger?

The university where I teach would like to set up a course in enology.

We'd like to open up more to international markets.

If you ever visit or come to Japan for work, do get in touch.

That's very kind of you, but for now, I have other plans.

Mr. Chassangre?

I would really like to buy your special wine.

The one Mr. Léger gave us to try.

You know, your Mourvèdre Counoise.

She wants to buy some.

I would like to buy 50.

Yeah, so, they come in crates of 12, so it'll be more like 48 bottles.

Fifty is impossible, they come in crates of 12.

No, no. Fifty crates. And they'll have to be sent to Japan.

The shipment will cost a fortune.

So, Miss Tomine is the distinguished heir of the Tomine Diamonds Company.

Maybe you have heard about it?

It's okay for the delivery. No problem.

Also, we could invite them all to the party tonight?

Oh, yes. Yes, yes, of course. Good idea.

Of course. Of course.

Tonight we're celebrating the end of the harvesting

and you're all invited, guys.

- Thanks so much. - Come with us!

Come with us, we'll show you some French moves.

You're already as red as the wine.

Not enough.

The party's just started.

She's beautiful.

Like an actress.

Hirokazu.

Your friendship means a lot to me.

Do you understand?

Sorry.

I...

I drank too much.

It won't happen again.

Everyone, be careful!

The latest update

on the incredible contest in Japan over Alexandre Léger's inheritance.

The stakes are incredibly high.

An exceptional wine cellar

at an estimated value of over 120 million euros.

Alexandre Léger made his fortune

with the creation of the Léger Guides 20 years ago,

forever changing the world of eno--

Yes?

Marianne Léger?

- Yes. - Sign here, please.

Thank you.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Dear Marianne,

I would like you to scatter my ashes over the heights of Philippe's property.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to support you as you supported me.

I was never able to make you happy.

It's my greatest regret.

Infused mint, white fruit, sweet spice, honey, pastry...

...I don't think we can separate these two senses,

both of which have their own way of perceiving a sweet wine

or even a fruit or a flower.

We're not talking about flowers here, Mr. Dupuis.

When I listen to you, I feel like I'm listening to old Lamarquange

who used to talk about peonies on red wines

and honeysuckle on white wines.

I still can't believe Rollin is on the jury.

That guy is not a winemaker, he's a moneymaker.

- You're exaggerating. - No, I'm not.

He is a fucking fraud who sells his wine for a fortune while it's nothing but shit!

Alexandre, get over yourself.

We don't care what you think about him. Leave this for later.

As soon as I graduate, I'll knock him off his small pedestal.

And he's the pretentious one?

Don't get pulled into their game, okay?

Alexandre.

- Of course not. - Thanks to you.

I'm up.

Mr. Léger?

Good morning.

Mr. Léger, we congratulate you.

You passed the blind tasting test

with disconcerting ease.

Thank you very much.

But now, let's move on to your thesis,

"Reflections on the future of French wine."

In your words,

"In France, wine is a monarchy with the Bordeaux acting as kinglets

and money as the absolute ruler."

What do you mean by that, Mr. Léger?

First, I do not wish to generalize all Bordeaux wines.

I just want to give my views on an approach I find outdated.

It's always the same wines that are acclaimed

at the expense of innovation and of some winemakers who take risks.

Do you have an issue with big wine estates, Mr. Léger?

With prestigious wines?

"Prestigious wines."

Big question.

You know,

when an athlete wins a major title, he puts it back into the race

and then trains hard.

Even harder in hope of winning a place on the podium the following year.

Nothing is set in stone. Nothing is won in advance.

But, when I hear the word "prestigious,"

it sounds to me like a nobility title.

A distinction handed out for life. And that makes no sense to me.

Tradition doesn't make sense?

- That's not what I said. - Well, that's what I heard.

Or else you need to clarify.

You want me to clarify?

What I'm saying is that

some of the great estates you're talking about

tend to rest on the laurels of their past glory

and rely on their "prestigious" name

without doing anything that justified that.

And that's a disgrace.

As far as I'm concerned,

they are vulgar salesmen of wine labels

and there's no place for them in our ecosystem.

Do you have some names you wish to share?

No. They will recognize themselves.

What fuckers!

Yes, you're right. They are.

Do you feel better now?

Everything's screwed! What now?

I messed up. It's all my fault.

Hey. Stop.

Calm down.

We're here. Both of us. We'll figure it out.

Hey.

We'll figure it out.

Professor Alexandre Léger.

Enology course, room 227.

Come on.

I don't think your father will like this.

I don't care what my father thinks.

I will be your enology lecturer this year.

At least, as far as wine can actually be taught.

Hello, Miss Tomine.

It's an honor to have you at this university, Mr. Léger.

I'll begin the first semester

by explaining the link between art and wine.

Which are, in my opinion, intimately connected.

But first, I'd like to get right to the heart of the subject.

Theory is good.

But practice is better.

Wine can't be expressed with words.

It needs to be smelled...

...tasted...

...and experienced.

So forget your brain for a while and let your senses speak.

It's, above all, a question of sensitivity.

And open-mindedness.

So...

who wants to taste it?

Who will sacrifice themselves for a beautiful cause?

Come on. It's not exactly torture.

Or else you got the wrong class.

Mr. Léger,

students can't drink alcohol in class.

It can cause trouble.

You're joking, right?

When I think we left everything

to live in this shabby broom closet and for me to teach monks.

I see your fighting spirit. That's great.

They didn't even want to taste the wine!

What am I supposed to do with that?

It was stupid to come here. We never should have done it.

I'm not going to make it.

Yes, you will, Alexandre.

Because it's hard for me too, you know.

I plan to make friends and get to know this fucking town.

So, pull yourself together.

Stop acting like this and help me unpack the boxes, okay?

Yes, sorry.

You're right.

It just takes time.

And if you still want them to taste wine, you can do it outside the university.

I spotted a little bar that would be perfect for it.

And lastly, this is a painting from the Italian Baroque period.

Fruits and Jasmine.

It was painted by a woman. Fede Galizia.

Yes, Miss Tomine?

Mr. Léger, it's beautiful, but what does this have to do with wine?

You will see. Believe me.

You will find out next class.

Well, see you on Friday.

And don't forget to bring me your analysis of Fede Galizia's painting.

For those who would be interested,

we could continue this class later this evening

at La Kachetto wine bar.

8:00 p.m.

What did he say?

8:00 p.m. at La Kachetto wine bar.

He will give a class at La Kachetto wine bar.

- Are you coming? - Sure.

Hello.

Good evening, professor.

All right.

Let's get to work.

Great job.

First,

I want to train your nose.

Smell is the most important of all senses.

So...

Who is going first?

All right.

- Do you need help? - I'm okay.

Miss Tomine.

What do you smell?

Lychee.

Easy. Ginger.

- Basil. - Brilliant.

And this.

What is it?

Grilled sesame.

Awesome.

Well done.

Four out of five.

Just one left to go.

Orange blossom.

That's--

Well, that's right.

Awesome.

Congratulations.

- Thank you. - I'm really impressed.

So,

who's going next?

Sorry, I'm a little late.

Wow.

What's with all the theatrics?

I wanted to play the submissive Geisha for you.

I can't feel my legs anymore. This position is horrible.

- Are you drunk? - A little bit.

I was too thirsty.

I'm drinking Japanese beer. Do you want some?

We have something to celebrate tonight!

I think Honoka reconciled me with Italian wine.

And I wouldn't have bet on that!

I'll remember that little Barolo.

She is very talented.

You're not even going to ask me what we're celebrating?

- You don't even care. - Of course, I do care.

Sorry. Tell me.

I passed my interview at the French Institute.

I will be in charge of organizing all the cultural events.

That's wonderful!

- Well done, my darling. - Do you realize?

We're going to meet a lot of people. We're going to get out of this apartment.

I'm proud of you.

...1978.

All right, Professor. It's your turn.

You promised.

It's a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru: a Couvent des Jacobins 1961.

You didn't even try it.

Am I wrong?

No.

It's amazing.

How did you do it so quick?

It's not about being quick.

It's about organizing it, in here.

You'll get there.

Sorry, I really have to go. I wish I could stay but...

Professor? Can we take a picture before you go?

Yeah, sure.

Cheese!

Great. Okay!

All right. Goodbye, everyone.

- Goodbye. - Thank you.

Honoka, can I take you home?

I'm going to stay a bit longer.

It's late and your father is going to worry.

You can go.

I'll see you tomorrow!

Who's next?

Yes, yes! It's my turn. Come on. Let me do it!

You're late.

What's that shirt? You could have made an effort.

It's my scruffy style.

- You don't like it anymore? - Not really.

Come with me. I want to introduce you to someone.

- No! - Come on!

Jacques, my husband Alexandre.

Alexandre, this is Jacques Fusier.

- Nice to meet you. - Good evening.

He owns a stunning publishing house in Tokyo.

He published the Fusier of Wines.

Marianne has told me a lot about you.

You have an incredible wife.

- Yes. - Marianne?

Sorry, I will leave you two alone.

Why did you settle down here?

It was for the quality of the printing, and the paper.

In France, it was hard to get what I wanted,

and my wife is Japanese.

Thanks.

Chee--

What is this cheap wine?

Pardon me.

It's scandalous to serve this at the French Embassy.

Don't drink that, you'll get sick.

I heard about your thesis. Are you still as radical?

Yes. The problem is snobbery in France.

Good evening.

We think we are the best, but the world is changing.

In Australia, the United States and China, soon.

Recently, I've tasted an exceptional South African wine.

Would you like to write about it?

Among other things.

I would like to give consumers a new perspective.

How come all French people drink wine

and only a handful of them buy those guides?

You're including my guide, I presume?

I ran through it.

And indeed, it did focus on the classics.

Well, it's also good to know your classics sometimes.

People need help, don't they?

I don't agree.

People are more refined and intelligent than we think.

They can quickly develop a good palate and they shouldn't be taken for morons.

I won't give you any advice

as you look like the kind of person who wouldn't take it anyway.

However, someone once wrote that, "the drama of the angry man

is that he has a lot to say but he's barely heard."

That's a pity.

I'll leave you, have a nice evening. I must get back to my wife.

You've suddenly remembered you have a family?

I have a question to ask you.

What?

Why didn't you tell me

that you knew Alexandre Léger?

Because I don't know him.

Then how do you explain this to me?

Yes, it was ages ago.

We signed up with your father out of curiosity

but we weren't really into wine.

Have you ever seen me drink a single glass of wine?

No, never.

It's true.

But you could have told me

that you knew him.

Meeting someone doesn't mean that you know them.

Right.

I'll let you get back to work.

By the way,

have you seen your father?

No. Why?

No reason.

I'm going this way.

I'm going that way.

You know it's really rare to have such a palate, with so little experience.

You have an amazing memory for taste. It's a gift.

Thank you.

- Good night. - Good night to you.

Hey, you.

Wake up.

Wake up.

Are you okay?

Can you get up?

- Yes, yes. - Do you need help?

There was an incident yesterday.

Just after our evening at La Kachetto.

The director has heard about it.

Because of that incident, he has decided to end my course.

That's too bad.

Especially for some of you who are really talented.

I thank you for your trust and I wish you all the best.

- May I? - Yes.

What are you drinking?

Meursault, Clos de la Barre, Domaine des Comtes Lafon, 1988.

I don't know how to tell my wife what happened.

It's not your fault.

That's very kind of you to say but,

I should have guessed that things could get out of control.

You're all so young.

Still going that way?

I'm sorry.

Hey.

Do you have something important to tell me?

A guy from the university called.

You lasted three months,

it's more than I thought.

A course that is canceled because of a student's drunkenness,

don't you find that pathetic?

Well, your method was not very Japanese...

I was thinking, maybe I could ask Philippe to join him at the vineyard.

You want to go back to Avignon?

I don't know.

And what about my job at the embassy?

I like it here.

There is nothing good in France for you.

This place is your chance, Alexandre.

Now is the time to write your guide, while you've got the time to do it.

Anyway, teaching was never your thing.

Maybe.

But I don't see myself locked in this rat hole all day,

writing about wine for peanuts while you go to work.

Trust me, okay?

- Why are we here exactly? - One day you will thank me.

Marianne!

- Hello. - Hello, Jacques.

- How are you? - Fine, thank you.

So, have you thought about all this?

Yes, Alexandre received two offers for his guide,

but I'm stubborn.

I think it has to be you.

You're the right person to publish it.

Well, can I read something?

Not without a cash advance.

Ah? You are his wife but also his agent.

That's right.

Alexandre, do you have anything out of the ordinary?

My wife is scared to let me speak because I am often too frank.

I can ruin everything with words that are too direct.

Some would rightfully say that is why I am not always heard.

But I think that's also my strength.

People expect a real opinion on wines.

An honest, uncompromising inventory

that would force winegrowers to aim for excellence.

A guide that would never be questioned.

Excuse me, but is he always like this?

Yes, but I still love him.

I brought you this.

These are my classmate, Hirokazu's excuses.

He was too embarrassed to face you himself.

Well, thank you.

I'll try to read it.

Are you going back to France?

No.

What are you doing here?

There's the boat.

- It's here? - Yep.

- We can go on the boat? - Yeah?

Okay. Thank you.

Where are you?

Your mind wanders, it seems.

No, sorry. It's just the guide. That's it.

Aren't you making enough progress?

It's just that I'm a bit behind.

Jacques has already been onto me twice.

- Do you want me to read it? - No.

I'm scared of what you'll say.

I'll get you to read it when I'm really happy.

Okay.

To us.

To us.

Are you okay?

Yes, I'm okay.

It's just that over the next few months, I'd better avoid it.

Are you happy?

Yes, of course I'm happy.

- Hey. - Hey.

You were gone a long time.

How did your exams go?

Easy.

Marianne is pregnant.

We were trying in France already to have a baby, but we lost hope.

We thought it'll never happen, so we stopped thinking about it,

but there...

I'm going to have a family.

Honoka, look at me.

You're incredibly precious to me.

Honoka.

Honoka!

What's happening?

Please, speak.

Honoka.

I'm pregnant.