Olivier Poussier, the new Air France sommelier for 2005
Roissy, March 24th, 2005
Press Release n°4866

Olivier Poussier, elected the world's best sommelier in 2000, will be in charge of the wine list aboard Air France flights as of 31 March 2005. 

"This is a new challenge for me" says Olivier Poussier, best sommelier of France in 1990 and also head sommelier at Lenôtre in Paris.

To make his selection, Olivier Poussier analysed and blind-tasted over 650 wines originating from various French wine-growing regions: 77 of them have been selected, 37 for l'Espace Première and 28 for l'Espace Affaires.

Primarily focussing on quality criteria, a number of specific air transport factors have also been taken into account in the selection of wines such as storage conditions at variable temperatures and dry air and air-conditioning aboard aircraft.

In view of the above, Olivier Poussier favours young vintages which can be appreciated at a time in their development when fruity flavours predominate. Old vintages are avoided so as to limit the sediment resulting from the routine evolution that a wine undergoes as it matures.

In addition to selecting the wines, Olivier Poussier is also keen to share his passion with the cabin crew. A sophisticated and refined wine service is just as important as the quality of the wines offered during the flight. The presentation of the bottle, opening the bottle and serving the wine or Champagne make up the essential know-how required for successful tasting.