I don’t often fly in Business Class especially in North America. Europe, sometimes, but I have to think long and hard on that. Traveling to Asia there is no question that it is well worth it! You can plan your sleep time to get you there semi-refreshed. Connecting and having access to showers in Business Class lounges goes a long way to making you feel normal!
Moet in the United Lounge
My favorite part though is the food and drink that is available upfront! United Airlines has never been a favorite of mine but that has all changed now! My flight from Toronto to San Francisco was delayed some four hours, missing my connection to Incheon, South Korea. I was originally with Asiana Airlines now with United.
The Untied Lounge served up some refreshing Moet Champagne for breakfast, a great accompaniment to fruit, smoked salmon and prosciutto. On board there was more champagne to be had but with a smoked duck appetizer followed by sautéed beef filet. I got right into a nice French Burgundy Bouchard Pere et Fils Cte de Beaune Villages.
United, and all major airlines for that matter, are going the extra mile in satisfying the Business traveller. After selecting your meal, United allows you to tailor your own wine tasting from Master Sommelier Doug Frost’s selection of onboard bubbles and wine!
Looking for some tips, available in United’s entertainment system are short videos by Frost walking you through the art of wine tasting!
Air Canada may just be the Best in the “Business of Business Class.”
After four hours of being at the Shanghai airport in China I was so happy to step on Board AC 028 and just as I sat down a glass of Prosecco appeared! That was good but the best was yet to come!
Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut
Air Canada has an internationally renowned sommelier of their own. Veronique Rivest has a selection of superbly balanced food friendly wines that evokes the spirit of travel and perfectly pairs with the inflight cuisine.
The elegant Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut brings it to that next level and where I went to next. I was offered more Prosecco but it was too late as I had discovered the Laurent Perrier!
Two whites were available along with three reds with the meal. Only one was Canadian – a 2015 Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir. I went for the Italian red, full bodied Domodimonti Il Messia Rosso – much more suited to my filet in Armagnac sauce.
What better way to top off a fine meal with a little cheese and Dow’s Port! Nap time and hello Toronto!
Here are some other wines that we’ve enjoyed this month:
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Syrah is not one of my go to wines but I had a few favorites years ago so let’s give this one a try I thought. After all, Robert Parker gave it a 94 point score and for 20 bucks – WHY NOT! First couple of swigs and I was beginning to question Mr. Parkers taste. Let it sit for a while and OMG I could not get enough. Open, decant, and let it sit even for a couple of hours before serving. The seductive red colour and lush berry flavours will captivate you. Fantastic value! |
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In The Grand Pizzeria & Bar, Ottawa’s Byward market, with friends and it’s Pizza and Cesar salad night! Might as well order a nice Chianti, the one we ordered was sold out so they bring this one out for our approval. Chianti to me has always been just ordinary to me but go with the flow, right pizza and Chianti. This one here a Tuscan gem with a fuzzy-ish label and might be in a class by itself, at least for me! Much fuller in body with a dense purple colour. Aromatic with intense rich flavours, cherry and blackberry – strong bold finish. Need to find some of this privately to give it a proper tasting! Definitely would order again. |
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So so delicious this Tempranillo Blend is worth every penny. In fact it is so good I will need to find a few bottles to tuck away in the crawl space for a few years. Full bodied with a wonderful aroma. A dry, slightly dusty finish leaving you craving more. 91 points by Wine Advocate! |
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From the godfather of California wines is a delicious Classic Cab – you would expect nothing less. 2016 was Mondavi’s 50th Anniversary and they continue to make wines in the tradition that keeps them amongst the worlds finest. |
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OK, I’m a sucker for just about any bubbles that are Pinot Noir based. I was looking for another light and perfect breakfast bubbles pairing. This did not quite fit the bill but certainly would for brunch or an afternoon on the deck! Medium bodied, dry, refreshing and flavourful! What more could you ask for? |
Bastide Miraflors 2015 – Syrah – $19.95 
Castello Di Verrazzano
Convento San Francisco 2010 – $20.95
Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – $37.95
Juve & Camps Rose Pinot Noir – $22.95
