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SINGAPORE : If you were passionate about wine, you would have heard of Jeannie Cho Lee - the first Asian to pass the notoriously rigorous exams at The Institute of Masters of Wine, in 2007.
This makes her one of only 276 certified Masters of Wine (MWs) worldwide. To add another feather to her hat, though almost by default, she is also the first Asian woman to have accomplished this - a truly impressive feat, regardless of gender.
She reiterated the fact that there is very little difference between a man and a woman’s taste for wine, highlighting an individual’s initial introduction to drinking wine as the key influence.
Lending an Asian perspective to the wine industry, this Korean-born, Hong Kong-based wine judge and consultant is also the newest member on Singapore Airlines’ distinguished wine panel - alongside Australia’s first MW, Michael Hill-Smith, and Londoner Steven Spurrier, founder of L’Academie duVin in Paris.
She added that while the environment in which a wine is consumed will affect its taste, selecting a good bottle of wine will ensure that it is at least enjoyable, “even if you were sipping it from a straw”.
What’s the best thing about being Asia’s first MW, and a female one at that?
A strong sense of achievement and an equally strong sense of responsibility. I would like to say to the wine industry: ‘Watch out, this is the dawn of a new chapter in the world of wine, where Asian voices will increasingly be heard.’
The best part of being a female Asian MW is the fact that I can relate to, and represent, a growing number of women in Asia who love wine.
What’s most challenging about selecting wines to be enjoyed in-flight?
Trying to please a large number of customers, which means understanding and respecting the flavour and style preferences of Singapore Airlines’ customers. We understand that temperature of service may not be ideal, tannins may be more pronounced and fruit more inhibited.
These are all considerations during our evaluation process.
- TODAY/il
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