Singapore Airlines to serve three vintage Champagnes in First Class

Note February 2020: Singapore Airlines has revealed a new list of nine routes set to feature Tattinger Comtes de Champagne from March to July 2020.

In a range of enhancements to its onboard First Class products, Singapore Airlines flights on selected routes will feature a third vintage Champagne option from 27th October 2019 – the renowned and highly rated Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

The literature Singapore Airlines has included in its press release suggests the airline will be pouring the 2007 vintage of this popular Champagne, which earns 4.5 stars out of 5 on popular wine rating site Vivino.

Champagnes are selected by the airline’s wine panel, comprising world-renowned wine experts Michael Hill-Smith, Jeannie Cho Lee and Oz Clarke. The trio conducted blind tastings before choosing the Comtes de Champagne, “for its exceptional quality and taste”.

“Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is a refined, elegant vintage champagne with an impressive minerally finish. Featuring this champagne is part of Singapore Airlines’ commitment to working closely with the best wineries in key regions around the world, such as Taittinger, to offer an increased variety of wines directly from the source” Jeannie Cho Lee

The Comtes de Champagne will join long-established favourites Dom Pérignon and Krug on selected flights. Here’s how all three First Class and Suites Champagnes rate:

• Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2009 – 4.5 stars
• Krug Brut Champagne 2004 – 4.6 stars
• Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007 – 4.5 stars

Of course these are all excellent ratings. We have a personal preference for the Krug 2004, and found the Tattinger Comtes de Champagne (2006 vintage) a little on the sweet side for our taste on Cathay Pacific First Class last year, though it is broadly very popular.

This new addition will make SIA the only airline in the world to offer three Champagne varieties in its First Class cabins.

Which routes?

This third Champagne option will initially feature in First Class and Suites cabins on Singapore Airlines flights to:

• Auckland
• Beijing
• Delhi
• Dubai
• Melbourne
• Mumbai
• Seoul
• Shanghai
• Sydney
• Tokyo (Haneda)

from 27 October 2019 until February 2020, before being rotated to other routes.

That will see it offered in both of the airline’s First Class seat types (the older 2006 and newer 2013 versions on Boeing 777s) and in both the new (2017) and older (2006) Suites cabins on the Airbus A380.

Other enhancements

SIA’s First Class customers will also see other enhancements from mid-November 2019, including special edition unisex amenity kits with a new series of the iconic crystal fishes from renowned luxury French crystal-maker Lalique.

While the design and content of the new amenity kits has not been revealed yet, the airline was providing the crystal fishes in its amenity kits from late 2017 and during 2018 to coincide with the launch of the new A380 Suites cabin.

From 2020 there will also be an enhanced caviar service that will be offered on more flights than it is today.

Reviews

We have comprehensive reviews of Singapore Airlines’ First Class products on its new Airbus A380 (latest Suites Class) and on the Boeing 777-300ER.

Summary

Singapore Airlines is planning a few welcome enhancements in its premium cabins, and will become the only airline in the world offering three varieties of Champagne in First Class and Suites on selected routes from October 2019.

We look forward to seeing how widely the additional option of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne becomes available on other routes in 2020, with Europe and USA flights not yet getting a look in.

Meanwhile a new First Class amenity kit is coming, along with an enhanced caviar service next year, as the airline is also in the process of seeking suppliers for a Business Class sleeper suit.

This all comes as Singapore Airlines works on a S$50 million revamp of its premium lounges at Changi Terminal 3, which should be progressively opening from early 2020 to mid-2021.

Exciting times indeed for SIA’s First and Business Class customers.

(Cover Photo: MainlyMiles)