Originally Posted by Stranger
Ah, the AC plonk, my pet topic.
See, obviously we Canadians are cheap and we have no clue about wines, so why would they spend money on this? Actually, I suspect the bean counters in charge of selecting wines really have no clue and can't taste the difference...
As to these three chefs who supposedly endorse the crappy list, what can I say? Just plain corrupt, or incompetent? I certainly won't patronize their places.
I suspect they pay less than CAD 10/bottle. At most 12/13. Real crappy.
Just go for champagne. Although they have downgraded it too a few months back, from Pieper-Heidsick to some unknown stuff, it's still somewhat better than theirt wines.
Wasn't there a team of top sommeliers choosing the wines? I'm so naïve
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AC doesn't go out of its way to pick good wines. As mtacchi said, there are many decent bottles available for not much more than what they're likely paying now. But as you've pointed out, most people on board aren't looking for oenophilic ecstasy when they fly--just something to wash down their dry steak with, or to make them drowsy. So it's an easy decision for AC to save on wine.
Too bad the Piper-Heidsieck is gone. Is it still the Drappier they've got now? A bit harsh.