Starting in December, passengers in Singapore Airline‘s luxurious First Class cabins can pop the cork on one of the world’s finest champagnes: Cristal 2015.
The carrier has signed an exclusive agreement with French Champagne house Louis Roederer, making it the only airline to carry Cristal 2015.
From December 1, Cristal 2015 will be one of three champagnes offered to guests in the Suites on the airline’s Airbus A380 and First Class on its Boeing 777-300ERs.
Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
The champagne will debut on flights between Singapore (SIN) and Delhi (DEL), Hong Kong (HKG), London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Paris (CDG), Shanghai (PVG), Sydney (SYD), and Tokyo (HND and NRT), before rotating to other international routes every three months.
With a retail price of $450, Cristal 2015 was crafted by cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon and is a subtle, silky blend of 40 percent Chardonnay and 60 percent Pinot Noir, sourced from 45 vineyard plots across Louis Roederer’s seven Grand Crus.
Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
“Cristal 2015 is an exceptional experience, which is highly sought-after by the most demanding wine connoisseurs worldwide,” said Jeannie Cho Lee, one of Singapore Airlines’ trio of wine consultants and the first Asian to be named Master of Wine.
Photo: SIA Wine Expert, Jeannie Cho Lee. Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
“Its depth and impressive quality from the meticulous aging process results in a Champagne with intricate and intense flavors of toasted pinenuts, crushed stones, and white flowers, coupled with a crescendo of refined flavors and a lingering, persistent finish.”
Cho Lee noted that the Champagne retains its quality even at “even at 36,000 feet.”
Cristal’s Origins
Originally created for Tsar Alexander II in 1876, Cristal derives its name from its crystal-clear glass bottles, which stand out from the typical green Champagne bottles. This design choice was made to address the tsar’s fear of assassination; he wanted to see not only the Champagne’s bubbles but also any potential bombs hidden beneath the bottle.
Cristal later gained fame as the drink of choice of hip-hop artists in the 1990s and 2000s, immortalized in songs by Jay-Z and Biggie Smalls.
Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
Yeoh Phee Teik, SVP of Customer Experience at Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership between two world-class brands demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to elevating the travel experience for our discerning customers. Exclusively offering a premium champagne like Cristal 2015 will delight our Suites and First Class customers, and ensures that they continue to enjoy an unparalleled, luxurious journey with us.”
Top Notch Cellar
Singapore Airlines is known for the extravagance of its mid-air wine cellars, which previously served both Krug and Dom Pérignon Champagnes.
However, in 2022, Emirates signed a deal with Dom Pérignon to become the only airline serving the high-class tipple.
Singapore Airlines Air Sommelier with a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve / Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
Not to be outdone, Singapore Airlines has grabbed the exclusive rights to pour Cristal.
The airline said it serves up to three premium label Champagnes, with Cristal 2015 or Krug Grand Cuvée headlining, “depending on the routes and seasons.”
But will there be enough Cristal for the six passengers in the Airbus A380’s suites or four in first-class on the Boeing 777-300ER? Airlines are sometimes known for stocking only one bottle of their most premium Champagne on flights.
Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines showcases a remarkable selection of beverages, as detailed in a recent exclusive feature by Business Traveler. The airline’s esteemed team of wine experts, including renowned figures such as Cho Lee, Oz Clarke, and Michael Hill Smith, meticulously curates an impressive array of wines and champagnes to satisfy the tastes of passengers on its vast global route network.
Each year, this dedicated team selects approximately 2.1 million bottles of fine wine and bubbly, ensuring that travelers enjoy a top-tier experience in the skies. Within the lavish confines of SIA’s specialized wine-tasting room, these experts engage in an intricate evaluation process, sampling and assessing each selection to guarantee that it maintains its excellence and flavor at high altitudes. This commitment to quality ensures that every glass poured elevates the flying experience to new heights.