Singapore Airlines has made another change to its Champagne selection in the First Class and Suites cabins, with a Charles Heidsieck 2007 vintage Blanc des Millénaires now being poured in place of the longstanding non-vintage Krug, alongside 2012 vintage Tattinger Comtes de Champagne.
This follows the removal of Dom Perignon back in November 2022, and the addition of a rotating “guest” Champagne in these cabins since June 2023, which will continue to feature as a third option through to at least the end of March 2024.
Even for the Krug fans who may lament this loss, it does mean that SIA will continue to be one of the only airlines in the world offering three different Champagnes in its most exclusive cabins on all flights with First Class or Suites installed, even on the short hop to and from Jakarta.
2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires
The latest Champagne joining the airline’s First Class lineup is a 2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires, a 100% Chardonnay made up solely of wines from the same year.
For the Champagne pros, tasting notes are available here.
Here’s how Singapore Airlines describes the Champagne in its menu.
“Blanc des Millénaires is [Charles Heidsieck’s] Prestige Cuvee and is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown on some of the greatest sites in the Cote des Blancs sub-region. At over 15 years old this wine is proof of the longevity of these wines and has developed wonderful toasty aged Chardonnay characters from extended time in bottle. In short an exceptional Blanc des Blancs Champagne of great quality and individuality.”
Singapore Airlines
Champagne quality is certainly a subjective topic, subject to individual taste and preference, but this one picks up an impressive 4.4 star rating out of 5 on Vivino.
You can pick up a bottle in Singapore for a cool S$320.
We tried the 2004 vintage of this excellent Champagne a few years back on a Qantas flight in First Class from Singapore to Melbourne, and it was a fantastic pour, so hopefully the 2007 lives up to similar standards.
It will be interesting to see what our readers think of the product in the weeks ahead, when flying SIA First Class.
Three Champagnes in First Class
Despite the loss of Krug, Singapore Airlines continues to offer three Champagnes in First Class and Suites, a policy first adopted in June 2023.
Here’s an example inflight menu from Singapore to Frankfurt in late November.
This is a very nice trio to choose from, and will be available on all routes with a First Class or Suites cabin across the network – even on the 90-minute hops to and from Jakarta.
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The Champagne Henri Giraud MV18 is part of SIA’s rotating guest Champagne programme “A Celebration of Champagne”, showcasing Grower and Artisanal Champagnes from smaller vineyards.
It’s a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay grapes, two-thirds from a 2018 vintage, with the balance “from a ‘perpetual reserve’ of aged wines that was begun in 1990 and that adds immense complexity and character”, according to Vinium Fine Wines.
The airline’s 10-month long guest Champagne programme will see Henri Giraud replaced by the following pours over the coming months:
- December 2023 & January 2024
2016 Champagne Geoffroy Volupté Premier Cru Blanc De Blancs
4.3/5 - February 2024 & March 2024
N.V. Egly-Ouriet V.P Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru
4.4/5
The Geoffroy Volupté already made an appearance earlier this year, during August and September.
These guest Champagnes will continue to be available alongside the regular 2012 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne and 2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires options.
In The Private Room, SIA’s exclusive lounge for First Class and Suites passengers at Changi Airport T3, it’s the 2012 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne that continues to be offered as the sole option.
Where is Singapore Airlines flying its First Class and Suites cabins?
17 destinations on the network now receive regular Singapore Airlines flights with a First Class and/or Suites cabin on board, including two “fifth freedom” routes (Frankfurt to New York and Tokyo to Los Angeles).
You can see a full list of routes and flight numbers with these products at our dedicated First Class Seats by Route page.
That list is valid for flights until the end of the northern winter season in late March 2024, with next year’s final summer schedule through to late October 2024 yet to be finalised.
This week Auckland joined the list of routes with a First Class (Suites) cabin, in the form of a daily Airbus A380 service.
Business Class now gets Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel
In case you missed the news, in June this year Singapore Airlines brought Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Champagne to its long-haul Business Class cabins, finally replacing the unpopular Henriot Champagne on regional routes too, from the following month.
While we preferred Charles Heidsieck, which sadly seems to have run dry even on long-haul legs, the Piper is still a decent pour, picking up 4.0 stars on Vivino.
Summary
Singapore Airlines continues to pour three varieties of Champagne in its First Class and Suites cabins, but Krug has dropped off the list, replaced by a well-rated vintage 2007 Blanc des Millénaires by Charles Heidsieck, served alongside 2012 Tattinger Comtes de Champagne.
Die-hard Krug fans may lament this loss, but the Blanc des Millénaires is a very well-rated drop that comes in at a similarly high price point.
The airline will continue to offer a guest Champagne, rotating every two months, until the end of March 2024, in addition to its usual pair.
Currently this is the Henri Giraud MV18, but next week this shifts back to 2016 Champagne Geoffroy Volupté through to the end of January 2024, after which we get a taste of Egly-Ouriet V.P Extra Brut Grand Cru through to the end of March 2024.
(Cover Photo: Charles Heidsieck)
End of an era.. and one step closer to the end of an Iconic Airline..