JAL lists legendary bubbly

Japan Airlines (JAL) has listed one of the world's rarest Champagnes, Champagne Salon, in first class on all its flights from Tokyo to London, New York and Paris.

Passengers will be able to try Champagne Salon 1997 before the 100 per cent Chardonnay Champagne is sold domestically in April this year. Only 60,000 bottles of the vintage Champagne have been released.

Created by Eugène Aimé Salon, Champagne Salon is produced in Le Mesnil sur Oger from wines grown in the Côte des Blancs region. The house produces no non-vintage or rosé Champagnes, and new vintages only tend to appear every 10 years.

JAL public relations manager Stephen Pearlman said: "The Japanese have become more adventurous in their wine taste so the importance of offering a wide selection has increased. We're hoping Champagne Salon will become the talk of the town."