Brussels Airlines offers the best wine in Business Class
Global Traveler is the leading American business traveller magazine that organizes the yearly international ‘Wines on the Wing' airline wine competition. A panel of 28 professional judges, including sommeliers, wine producers and wine shop owners, taste and rate wines served by airlines around the world.
The wines served by Brussels Airlines in its long-haul Business Class were highly appreciated by the jury and received the prestigious first prize in the category ‘Best Overall International Business Class wines’. In the category ‘champagnes’ Brussels Airlines was also highly awarded, with a 3rd place.
For its wine selection Brussels Airlines appeals to Fiona Morisson, the only female wine expert in Belgium carrying the title ‘Master of Wine’. This international recognition of the Brussels Airlines wine offer prizes the good work of the Brussels Airlines catering team led by Philip Mortier who himself is trained as a sommelier and who assists Fiona Morison in selecting the wines. The wines served on the Brussels Airlines long haul flights to Africa and the US are purchased through the Brussels-based Palais du Vin and assessed during tasting sessions. “During these tasting sessions we look for a perfect match with our culinary offer”, explains Philip Mortier.
The selection always includes a wine from a renowned French house, a well-known world wine and a ‘surprise’ wine. As a Belgian airline, Brussels Airlines also serves authentic Belgian wines that are highly appreciated by the passengers. This year the Brussels Airlines wine card presents, amongst others, Les Vieux Murs, Pouilly-Fuissé 2009 (France), Longridge Pinotage 2008 (South Africa), Tenuta di Castiglioni 2008 Frescobaldi (Italy), Poujeaux 2007 (France), Ken Forrester Chenin 2010 (South Africa), Montes Alpha Syrah 2009 (Chili), Aldenyck PG 2010 (Belgium), Château Rochemorin 2006 Pessac-Léognan (France), Kendall Jackson Zinfandel 2007 (USA), De Kluizen Cuvée 2009-2010 (Belgium), Puclavec Gomila Nr 2 2010 (Macedonia). Passengers also have the possibility to buy wines on board and have them delivered at home.
“Brussels Airlines is currently making major investments in a completely new long haul product”, says Brussels Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Erik Follet. “In the course of this year new Business Class and Economy Class cabins are being installed with flat beds in Business Class, generous legroom and ergonomic seats in Economy and the latest inflight entertainment technology. But things are also moving forward on the catering front, where we opt for true gastronomy and quality. The reactions of our customers who have experienced the new product are very positive. The Global Traveler Best Overal Business Class Wines Award is a wonderful recognition and proves that our efforts are being appreciated. It motivates us to continue further down this path in the future!”.
Brussels Airlines' awarded wines in the different categories:
- Champagnes International Business Class: Laurent Perrier (3rd place)
- White Wines International Business Class: Les Vieux Murs Pouilly-Fuissé 2009, Burgundy, France (3rd place)
- Red Wines International Business Class: Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni 2009, Tuscany, Italy (4th place) & Château de Rochemorin 2006, Bordeaux, France (5th place)
