NZ wine on Emirates' latest international list

Media Release
17 November 2005

Emirates Uncorks Premium Wines Onboard
New Zealand makes the list

Emirates Airline, renowned for its superior inflight service, has this week brought in a new wine list for its passengers, with some of the finest champagnes, red and white wines, and ports sourced from some of the best wine producing regions across its vast route network.

The new offering includes Wither Hills sauvignon blanc from Marlborough among top-of-the-range premier cru, grand cru classe, and premium quality wines from France, California, South Africa, Australia and Germany.

Passengers travelling in Emirates' First Class cabin can choose from a selection of three red and three white wines as well as champagne and port. Flying to Europe and North America from Dubai travellers can enjoy the very impressive Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 1995, considered by experts as one of the best vintages of the nineties.

Others include the beautifully crafted Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon 2000 produced by family-owned Heitz Wine Cellars; a South African semillon from Fairview Estate in the Paarl region; an exceptional premier cru Chablis Montmain from the house of Fevre; and one of the very best wines produced in Champagne, Cuvee Dom Perignon vintage 1998.

Emirates' passengers travelling in Business Class have a choice of two red and two white wines, champagne and port. Business Class passengers flying to the Asia-Pacific region can relax before take-off with a glass of Cuvee de Reserve Brut Champagne from the house of Charles-Ellner, and later partake of Torbreck Estate Old Vine Grenache, shiraz, mouvedre 2004 blend from Barossa Valley in Southern Australia; deep and rich Chateau Pontensac 1996 from Medoc; fresh and classic Marlborough sauvignon blanc from Wither Hills Vineyards; and a classic fume blanc from Pascal Jolivet, Pouilly Fume 2003.

Expanding its offering for 2005-2006, Emirates will now have eight specific wine lists: separate ones for First and Business Class on the routes to Asia-Pacific; Europe, North America and Africa; Germany; and short-haul destinations.

A complimentary selection of fine quality wines, especially chosen annually by the airline's selection committee, is served in Economy Class.

Terry Daly, Emirates' Senior Vice President - Service Delivery, said: "Emirates' new wine list heralds the finest selection in the skies and reflects the truly global nature of the airline. Our wine experts have sourced from vineyards with a history in wine-making that spans generations, such as the Chateau Lynch-Bages and Chateau Pichon-Longueville, and we are confident these will be enjoyed by the most discerning connoisseurs and experts.

"As with everything else we do, our route-specific wine list will no doubt enhance the inflight experience. Our menus, integrating food and wine, are designed to complement each other making for a great flying experience."

Emirates' Inflight Services department has a dedicated selection committee with professional tasters, tasked with choosing wines based on customer preferences on its vast route network that now spans more than 75 destinations.

Emirates' cabin crew members are trained in understanding the various nuances of wines, their history and how best to serve them on board.

ENDS

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