Bouchard Finlayson’s Galpin Peak
Pinot noir 2011 has been
selected by Europe’s largest airline Lufthansa for its renowned ‘Vinothek
Discoveries’ wine programme. Throughout November 2013, the award-winning wine
will be served exclusively to First Class passengers on all Lufthansa
intercontinental long haul flights.
Growing on the slopes of
Galpin Peak, the elusive Pinot noir varietal continues to be the
vineyard’s jewel and flagship wine. The Galpin Peak receives constant
recognition; winemaker Peter Finlayson’s passion and experience having earned
him the name of South Africa’s ‘pinot pioneer’. Recent accolades include the
‘Best Red Wine’ award for the Galpin Peak 2011 in the new ‘Biodiversity and
Wine Initiative (BWI)’ category
at the Nedbank Green Wine Awards 2012. The 2010 vintage earned 93 points in
Wine Spectator Magazine in September 2012, and the Galpin Peak received a
perfect 100/100 points in the 2011 SAWI (South African Wine Rating Index).
Typically Pinot
noir-like in flavour, the 2011 is deftly balanced with lots of red berry fruit
character and pretty floral aromas. Excellent small French oak barrel
maturation contribution assisted in achieving core strength, while its inherent
balance and fruity personality promises the development of added flavour
dimensions over a period of ageing.
Lufthansa’s wine
selection is presented in a beautifully designed wine brochure, offering not
only information on the wines themselves but also on the personal background
story of the vineyards. The airline’s international First Class passengers will
thus be able to learn more about the majestic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Peter
Finlayson, and Bouchard Finlayson’s origins and development, all while enjoying the vineyard’s trailblazing Galpin
Peak Pinot noir flagship wine.
Top-quality
wines that harmonise with exquisite food are an essential accompaniment to
Lufthansa’s gourmet menus. But while a fine wine may seem full-bodied and
well-rounded to a wine connoisseur on the ground, its characteristic features
may change at cruising altitude. Low humidity on an aircraft affects one’s
sense of taste and also the way in which the bouquet develops. ‘For that
reason, not all wines are suitable for drinking on board. Lufthansa therefore
seeks the advice of Markus Del Monego, Master of Wine and World Champion
Sommelier’, explains Axel Simon, Director Southern Africa for Lufthansa German
Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines. Del Monego travels the world
exclusively for Lufthansa in the quest for the finest treasures of the
wine-world to recommend and be discovered by First and Business-Class
passengers. ‘South Africa is
known for its excellent wines, so our first class passengers are in for a treat
this November!’ adds Simon.
ABOUT
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
Established
in 1989 in the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 125 hectares (312 acres) of
Walker Bay's prime viticultural land, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard and Winery is
a small cellar dedicated to the quality production of Pinot noir, Chardonnay
and Sauvignon blanc. Ever since releasing their first vintages, the name
Bouchard Finlayson has been internationally synonymous with excellence. Today, owned by the Red
Carnation Hotels’ Tollman family and under the leadership of Victoria Tollman
and winemaker Peter Finlayson, 22 hectares (54 acres) of the estate are
currently under vine with 50% devoted to the varietal for which Peter is most
acclaimed – Pinot noir. Other cultivars under production include Chardonnay,
Sauvignon blanc and Sangiovese, as well as a handful under exploration.
Bouchard Finlayson is an accredited Championship member of the Biodiversity and
Wine initiative (BWI).
Situated on the R320 near Hermanus, Bouchard Finlayson vineyard and winery is open for tastings and sales Monday to Friday from 09h30 to 17h00 and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 13h00. For further information, call +27 28 312 3515; email info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za; or visit www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za
