Lufthansa First Class passengers to enjoy Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2011
Wednesday, 21 August, 2013
Bouchard Finlayson
Bouchard Finlayson’s Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2011 has been chosen
by Europe’s largest airline Lufthansa for its renowned ‘Vinothek
Discoveries’ wine programme. Throughout November 2013, the award-winning
wine will be served exclusively to First Class passengers on all
Lufthansa intercontinental long haul flights.
Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak, the elusive Pinot noir varietal continues to be the vineyard’s jewel and flagship wine. The Galpin Peak receives constant recognition; winemaker Peter Finlayson’s passion and experience having earned him the name of South Africa’s ‘pinot pioneer’. Recent accolades include the ‘Best Red Wine’ award for the Galpin Peak 2011 in the new ‘Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI)’ category at the Nedbank Green Wine Awards 2012. The 2010 vintage earned 93 points in Wine Spectator Magazine in September 2012, and the Galpin Peak received a perfect 100/100 points in the 2011 SAWI (South African Wine Rating Index).
Typically Pinot noir-like in flavour, the 2011 is deftly balanced with lots of red berry fruit character and pretty floral aromas. Excellent small French oak barrel maturation contribution assisted in achieving core strength, while its inherent balance and fruity personality promises the development of added flavour dimensions over a period of ageing.
Lufthansa’s wine selection is presented in a beautifully designed wine brochure, offering not only information on the wines themselves but also on the personal background story of the vineyards. The airline’s international First Class passengers will thus be able to learn more about the majestic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Peter Finlayson, and Bouchard Finlayson’s origins and development, all while enjoying the vineyard’s trailblazing Galpin Peak Pinot noir flagship wine.
Top-quality wines that harmonise with exquisite food are an essential accompaniment to Lufthansa’s gourmet menus. But while a fine wine may seem full-bodied and well-rounded to a wine connoisseur on the ground, its characteristic features may change at cruising altitude. Low humidity on an aircraft affects one’s sense of taste and also the way in which the bouquet develops. ‘For that reason, not all wines are suitable for drinking on board. Lufthansa therefore seeks the advice of Markus Del Monego, Master of Wine and World Champion Sommelier’, explains Axel Simon, Director Southern Africa for Lufthansa German Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines. Del Monego travels the world exclusively for Lufthansa in the quest for the finest treasures of the wine-world to recommend and be discovered by First and Business-Class passengers. ‘South Africa is known for its excellent wines, so our first class passengers are in for a treat this November!’ adds Simon.