Chapter 152: Giving Wine
Mikhail and Giovanni were negotiating the purchase of labor for Mikhail's estate near Moscow. Mikhail, facing increasing labor costs and wanting to invest in machinery, was trying to get the best deal. Giovanni, empathizing with Mikhail's situation, decided to offer some assistance.
Giovanni offered to personally sponsor a bottle of Romantic Paris brand red wine, along with two bottles of Wrangler vodka. He believed that this gesture would not only seal the deal but also strengthen their friendship.
Mikhail was initially hesitant but ultimately accepted Giovanni's offer. He opened the box containing the Romantic Paris red wine and tasted it, noting that it was not as strong as vodka but had a good taste.
Giovanni explained the history of Romantic Paris wine, claiming that it was made from the water of Lover's Spring near Paris, which had a long-lost recipe. He mentioned that it had won a gold medal at the Second European Brewing Conference held in Hechingen, Germany.
However, in reality, Romantic Paris was a marketing brand created by the Hechingen Consortium, and its historical references were fabricated. The wine was produced in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the award at the European Brewing Conference was organized by the consortium itself.
Giovanni provided Mikhail with information on where to buy Romantic Paris wine and its price range, highlighting its cultural value. Mikhail, although initially surprised by the price, decided that it might be worth using the wine for special occasions.
They also discussed Wrangler Vodka, another product of the Hechingen Consortium exclusively supplied to the Tsarist Russian market. Mikhail considered vodka a symbol of Russia and believed it was sufficient to serve it to his guests and laborers.
In reality, Wrangler Vodka had gained a good reputation in Tsarist Russia due to its high quality and affordability, and its name played on the image of Cossack horsemen.