Korean Air Serves Fine Laurent-Perrier Champagne

Korean Air flight attendants show three kinds of Laurent-Perrier champagne, which are served in first and business class, at Hyatt Regency Incheon, Wednesday. / Yonhap

By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

Korean Air has added one of the world's top class, epicurean champagnes to its in-flight menu in commemoration of the 40th anniversary since the beginning of the month. It began serving three kinds of Laurent-Perrier champagne in first and business class on international flights since May 1. The champagnes are: Grand Siecle, Cuvee Rose Brut, and Brut L-P.

Laurent-Perrier is not well known in Korea, but is highly recognized among the upper classes in Europe and Africa. With about 200 years of history since 1812, the sparkling wine is made by prestige French champagne house Laurent-Perrier, being selected as wine lovers' must-have collection.

The winery is listed fifth among the world's champagne companies for annual turnover, and third in annual export sales. It produces a total of eight kinds of champagne.

``We are dedicated to excellence, and at this point this new association with Korean Air is meaningful,'' said Stephane Tsassis, chairman of the Laurent-Perrier management board, adding that he was impressed at Korean Air's service including new uniforms and its professional selection of wine.

Tsassis visited Korea for a tasting held at Hyatt Regency Incheon, Wednesday.

Heather Cho, Korean Air's managing vice president and head of catering and in-flight sales, said, ``Serving these champagnes will be momentum for the development of both Korean Air and Laurent-Perrier. The champagnes will play an important role in Korean Air's service-upgrade projects.''

Grand Siecle, which was served on France's presidential flights, was named by former French President Charles De Gaulle. The name means the ``Great Century,'' referring to the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV when France enjoyed its most illustrious era.

A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, Grand Siecle has the aroma of honey, hazelnut, grilled almond and fresh pastry. It is provided in first class on flights to and from America and Europe.

Cuvee Rose Brut is the world's best selling rose champagne and is served in first class on flights to and from Southeast Asia and Oceania. Korean Air is the only airline serving the champagne.

Salmon-pink in color, it has a hint of red fruits such as strawberry and red currant. The champagne was developed 40 years ago ― significant in that Korean Air marked the 40th anniversary this year.

Brut L-P is the standard-bearer of Laurent-Perrier, produced since the house's beginning in 1812. Pale gold in color, it has an aroma of citrus and fruit. It is the only champagne that Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, gave the royal warrant in 1998. It is served in business class on all routes.

``We believe Korean Air has contributed to the improvement of the wine culture in Korea by adopting wines that are relatively unknown here. The effort will help the carrier provide various high-quality services,'' said Bang Jin-sik, Korean Air's wine consultant.

rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr

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