Brazilian TAM launches new 2012 wine list

São Paulo, Brazil – TAM Airlines, the biggest airline in Brazil, is offering its passengers a new wine list. Passengers on long and short haul international flights can sample wines from a number of countries that have been selected especially for the carrier by Arthur Azevedo, one of the leading and most respected sommeliers in Brazil, and the executive director of the Brazilian Association of Sommeliers in São Paulo.

“We have selected top-quality wines from famous wine makers such as Jean-Luc Thunevin, Michel Rolland and Denis Dubordieu. Among more than 500 options, 16 were selected to pair with the more sophisticated dishes offered on the new menu ‘Sabor que faz Bem’ (Flavours That Make You Feel Good), prepared exclusively for TAM’s international flights in 2012 by the talented Brazilian chef, Bel Coelho,” explains Arthur Azevedo.

For First Class passengers one of the highlights is the remarkable champagne Drappier La Grande Sendrée (Champagne/France), from vineyards that are over 70 years old. It is made with Chardonnay, which gives it refinement and elegance, and Pinot Noir grapes, which give it richness and depth. Made only in the best years, the champagne rests for long periods in 12th-century wine caves, and its handmade bottle is identical to the one used by the maison since the 18th century.

The red wine La Croix Figeac, from Saint Émilion (Bordeaux/France), can also be enjoyed by First Class passengers. Featuring Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested from 35 year-old vines, with an intense flavour, persistent in the mouth and a silky texture, this seductive wine has an aroma of perfectly ripe fruits, with toasty chocolate notes.

In Business Class, the innovation is the aromatic, fresh white wine Château de Tracy, from Pouilly-Fumé, made with the noble Sauvignon Blanc grape, from the Loire Valley in France. With smoky, citrus, anise aromas, enviable acidity, delicate fruit, light body and exceptional persistence, this wine should enchant the most demanding tastes.

Among the red wines served in Business Class one of the highlights is the Jean-Luc Thunevin Château Bel-Air-Ouÿ, from Saint Émilion (Bordeaux/France). Today, one of the most highly regarded wines, it is produced in very small quantities with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grapes. In addition to being elegant and delicious, the wine has aromas of dark mature fruit, with notes of chocolate, leather, and fine toasting.

In Economy Class, passengers can enjoy on short and long haul flights the modern and accessible Callia Alta Malbec and Callia Alta Chardonnay from San Juan, Argentina, both of which boast intense flavours.

TAM’s flight attendants have been trained to help passengers with their wine selections, suggesting the wine that best suits the various dishes on offer. In a training programme developed by Azevedo, the crew members learn the origin and histories of all the wines and champagnes served on board TAM flights, and also receive a guide to pair the wines and other beverages with the over 800 options of dishes to be made available throughout the year.

TAM’s full wine list for 2012 is:

First Class – long haul flights

Drappier La Grande Sendrée (Champagne/France) – champagne;

Dr. Bürklin-Wolff Pechstein Grand Cru (Pfalz/Germany) – white wine;

Château La Louviere (Pessac-Léognan/Bordeaux/France) – white wine;

La Croix Figeac (St. Émilion/Bordeaux/France) – red wine;

San Román (Toro/Spain) – red wine;

I Balzini Black Label (Tuscany/Italy) – red wine.

Business Class – long haul flights

Drappier Carte d´Or (Champagne/France) – champagne;

Dr. Bürklin-Wolff Wachennheimer Altenburg Premier Cru (Pfalz/Germany) – white wine;

Château de Tracy (Pouilly-Fumé/Loire Valley/France) – white wine;

Jean-Luc Thunevin Château Bel-Air-Ouÿ (Saint Émilion/Bordeaux/France) – red wine;

Abadia Retuerta Selección Especial (Sardón de Duero/Spain) – red wine.

Business Class – short haul flights

Viña Casablanca Nimbus Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley/Chile) – white wine;

Tim Adams Shiraz 2008 (Clare Valley/ South Australia) – red wine;

MontGras Quatro (Colchagua Valley/Chile) – red wine.

Economy Class – short and long haul flights

Callia Alta Malbec (San Juan/Argentina) – red wine;

Callia Alta Chardonnay (San Juan/Argentina) – white wine.