Emirates serves up new selection of wines on its global routes
Airline stocks 6 million wine bottles in France
Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has elevated its onboard experience for passengers by introducing a new and exceptional selection of wines.
The airline now boasts the most extensive wine cellar of any airline, housed in dedicated facilities in France with a staggering six million bottles of fine wine, some of which are earmarked for service as far ahead as 2037.
Emirates will introduce a range of the finest white Burgundy wines in the forthcoming months, featuring prestigious Premier and Grand Crus varieties such as Montrachet 2011, Chevalier Montrachet 2013, and Corton Charlemagne 2014.
Additionally, passengers can anticipate exceptional red Burgundy wines, including Grand Crus like Échezeaux, Clos Vougeot, and Chambertin.
Emirates has also set its sights on offering several First Growths from Bordeaux in the coming years, showcasing selections from renowned estates such as Château Mouton, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château d’Yquem.
Large variety
Currently, Emirates offers 36 different varieties of French wines and champagnes on its flights.
Emirates’ process for wine selection involves thoroughly evaluating factors such as fruit content, acidity, tannin levels, and the influence of oak, focusing on wines that excel both on the ground and at altitude. The airline’s commitment to quality is reflected in its cellar, which includes wines dating back to the 2003 vintage.
Emirates ensures that wines are selected and strategically positioned worldwide for optimal serving conditions, to provide passengers with peak enjoyment. The selection process considers the maturity of the wine, impacting tannin levels, and wines designated for Business and First Class undergo extensive ageing, ranging from 8-15 years.
Each of Emirates’ four cabins features a distinct wine selection, updated every two weeks to provide frequent flyers with various options.
In Economy Class, passengers can indulge in exceptionally high-quality red and white wines, including recent additions such as ‘AOP Biodynamic’ wines from M. Chapoutier, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, a South African Sauvignon Blanc from Gabb family, and Antinori Santa Cristina red wine.
Premium Economy offers a curated selection of sparkling vintage wine, premium red, and premium white wine, with exclusive options like Château Lagarde 2011, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and Domaine Chandon 2016.
In Business and First Class, Emirates tailors its wine selections into six regions, aligning with the taste preferences of passengers from the UK and USA, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australasia, and Asia. Passengers in these classes can also savour premium Port wines, including vintage Tawny Ports like the 1979 Graham’s and the 1981 from Dow’s.
In 2022, Emirates spent more than AED186 million on wine and champagne.
Featured image: Emirates’ four cabins have a distinct wine selection. Image: Emirates
