American Airlines has joined the trend of airlines departing from Champagne offerings, as it introduces Ferrari Trento DOC Italian sparkling wine to its first and business class cabins.
Replacing Champagne, the airliner will now serve Ferrari brut from Trentino, a fine blend crafted entirely from Chardonnay grapes.
Characterized by its consistent high scores in blind tastings, Ferrari describes its brut as exhibiting a “lively, bright straw yellow” hue and boasting an “intense bouquet on the nose” featuring ripe Golden Delicious apples, white flowers, and delicate yeast notes. This nuanced flavor profile is achieved through a meticulous aging process involving 20 months in the bottle.
The choice of Italian fizz was met with both enthusiasm and thoughtful discussion on flight forums. Many members of these communities emphasized that the introduction of Ferrari Trento DOC should not be misconstrued as a downgrade from Champagne. While some debated the possibility of American Airlines offering American sparkling wines instead of Italian bubbles, others noted that acclaimed options like Argyle and various award-winning producers from Oregon’s Willamette Valley could have been considered at a comparable price point.
American Airlines’ decision follows a growing trend among airlines to explore alternatives to Champagne. For instance, Finnair has opted for Bernard-Massard Cuvée de l’Ecusson sparkling wine from Luxembourg for its short-haul flights, further underscoring the shifting landscape of in-flight beverage offerings.
