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Drops of God
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Why ‘Drops of God’ is so much more than a show about wine

July 19, 2023

If you haven’t yet watched the Apple TV+ limited series titled ‘Drops of God’, I can only say that when you do, be prepared for your perception of the world of wine – or fine wine to be more precise – to take on a new meaning.

Fine wine is finding its way into mainstream culture, even though so few of us are positioned to experience its luring qualities and fascinating history. Or it would seem.

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Thanks to social media influencers and streaming services like SOMM TV, there’s a piqued interest in wine among Gen Xers and geriatric Millennials (35-40 years old). Particularly so in the category of fine wine collecting and consuming. And this show seems to underline this interest and may even help further feed it, one might presume.

The bingeworthy series is a powerhouse display of episodic work that deserves the type of afterthought and analysis that a connoisseur would apply towards the study and evaluation of a rare Grand Cru wine. This is a well-structured show, with plot and character development that peels away gradually throughout its eight-episode run.

Drops of God

‘Drops of God’ star Fleur Geffrier.

Shot across Japan, France and Italy, Drops of God is a trilingual drama cloaked in family intrigue, with wine-industry knowledge divulged between scenes of love, trauma, mystery and tension. Its two protagonists must complete cryptic challenges for an inheritance that includes a wine collection worth nearly $150 million.

It’s an engaging story, with intricate characters, moving well above and beyond the ‘how to sip, smell and identify’ tropes of the wine world. In addition to what one would expect from a show about fine wine (scenes set in France and Italy are like advertisements for wine country tourism), Drops of God is also a show that allows viewers a chance to peer into the fascinating world of the Asian wine market – and just how serious a market it is. It offers a captivating lens into Asia’s love and appreciation for fine wine, providing an important step in understanding this emerging market.

In fact, it can be argued that one of the primary reasons why this show excels is its ability to showcase the cultural nuances surrounding wine in Asia. The show weaves together a rich tapestry of Asian traditions, customs and values, highlighting how wine has become an integral part of the region’s social fabric.

Drops of God

Actor Tomohisa Yamashita (right) trained in Tokyo to immerse himself in oenology for his role in ‘Drops of God’.

By exploring the intricacies of this once thought foreign wine culture, the series enables viewers to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique relationship between Asia and wine. After all, wine has long been associated with Western culture, but the series challenges this notion by illustrating how an Eastern culture has developed its own unique approach to wine. Insights into the evolution of the Asian wine market and the cultural exchange that occurs through wine appreciation are the show’s real underlying successes.

It’s no secret that the eastern part of the world has witnessed a remarkable surge in wine consumption and production in recent years. The show delves into the factors that have contributed to this growth, such as increasing disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and the desire for sophisticated experiences. By portraying the dynamism of the Asian wine market, the series does well in educating viewers about its current trends and future prospects. It depicts the integration of Asian influences, tastes, and preferences into the world of wine, breaking down barriers and fostering cross-cultural understanding. This representation is crucial in dispelling stereotypes and recognizing the diverse contributions of different regions in the wine industry.

By showcasing the passion and dedication of wine enthusiasts, this is a series that, thankfully, also sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship and expertise involved in producing fine wine. It emphasizes the attention to detail, rigorous training, and deep knowledge required to create exceptional vintages.

The emotional connection we feel towards the show’s characters serves as a gateway for us to explore further and discover the diverse range of wines from the regions highlighted within the show (what a pleasant surprise to see that Trento, situated within Northern Italy, was highlighted). In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, gaining insights into different cultures and their perspectives on the finer things in life becomes paramount.

I’m grateful that Drops of God was produced. It has the courage to offer us the rare chance to peer into an exclusive window, encouraging its viewers to expand their horizons, challenge preconceived notions, and embrace the richness of diversity. Stream it on Apple TV+.

 

– Carmelo Giardina is the principal editor for VineRoutes 

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