The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to feature a regular column, Vintage Valuation, in which we assess airport wine stores around the world. In each edition we rate the wine offer, merchandising and service by a number of key criteria, including:
- Size, depth, excitement of assortment: Is there a diversity of countries, regions, styles and varietals? Are (where applicable) the wines of the region or country well represented (where a store is located in a non wine-producing country, we will reallocate these points) – 20 points
- Price range and value: Is there a balance of price-points, from entry and mid-price level to the high-end? Is pricing competitive with the local market? – 15 points
- Is there innovation in the offer? Points of difference? Exclusives?– 15 points
- Is there an effort to engage the consumer via tastings and other promotions? – 15 points
- Do the staff display enthusiasm and knowledge in selling? – 15 points
- Overall impression: Does the merchandising, design and ranging create a true “wine experience”? – 20 points
Airport: Dubai International Terminal 3 (Departures)
Retailer: Dubai Duty Free
Summary: Dubai Duty Free presents an extensive and wide-ranging wine offer at its main T3 departures store. In keeping with the airport’s diverse passenger profile, the offer spans a wide selection of price-points and quality levels, from standard entry-point wines to a designated fine wine area, and a diverse line-up of Champagnes and other sparkling wines.
Although not as extensive as the same retailer’s selection at arrivals, there is a decent selection of Old and New World wines. Prices start at around US$20, supported by a variety of offers including -15% off when purchasing two bottles. The staff are extremely pleasant and helpful, and displayed a surprising knowledge of wine. I watched (and assisted) while a young Asian woman sought help to buy a light but quality red as a gift for her mother-in-law. She was recommended (by me and Sujan, the polite, charming and knowledgeable young male shop assistant) a Hunter’s Marlborough Pinot Noir from New Zealand for a very reasonable US$23.
Gondola displays make good use of the available space with wines labelled informatively (I liked the flag of the country on the shelf talkers). On our visit the regular Wine of the Month promotion featured Chocolate Block, a Syrah-dominated (67%) South African beauty priced at US$41.66. New Zealand’s famous Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (US$30.55), the benchmark for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for many years, was also on promotion.
There are some nice and occasionally great French wines here, ranging from Chateau Perron at US$28.89 to a twin-pack of Château Marquis De Terme at US$132.22 and a long-time Dubai Duty Free favourite, Château Pavie (St.Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé) at US$444.44 . There are many other Old World gems too, notably Spain’s Portia Ribera del Duero (a snip at US$22.78) and a broad selection of Italian labels (Bottega Bolgherri, Bottega Ripasso Valpolicella, Tommasi Rafael Valpolicella).
From the New World, wines are priced between US$19-20 to US$40-50, bolstered by a few ultra-premium labels. Wine from Lebanon (including the acclaimed Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon blend Marquis de Beys) and a diverse array from South Africa add to the eclectic nature of the offer.
The range also includes Ca’momi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at US$19.44, Clos de Los Siete – a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina for US$25 – and Gran Araucano from Chile, priced US$34. There are some lovely wines from Australia and New Zealand which are reasonably priced – the trans-Tasman selection including familiar labels such as Penfolds, Hunter’s, Brancott and Stoneleigh. Nice to see the excellent Man of War from Waiheke Island, New Zealand (US$49).
The Champage offer is diverse, varying from Duval-Leroy at US$41.11 to Louis Roederer Champagne for US$513. There is also a good selection of dessert wines, along with ports and some sherries; Pineau des Charentes and Wincarnis Tonic Wine feature. Non-alcoholic wine is also on sale – perhaps a consequence of location.
The ‘Fine Wine’ offer is precisely that, an excellent line-up of around 340 wines all presented lying down (so often in airport shops, top-class but slow-moving wines are left standing up) in racks. Château Lascombes 2009 US$166.67; fourth-growth Château Beychevelle 2011 US$194.17; Château Pichon Longueville Baron 2009 US$241.67; Château Lynch Bages 2009, US$248.34; Château Lynch Bages 2009, US$248.34; Château Palmer 2007 US$305.28; Château 2009 US$444.44; and Chateau Lafite Rothschild’s second wine, Carruades de Lafite at US$500.
Dubai Duty Free’s online offer is best than most travel retailers, with an extensive selection shown at DubaiDutyFree.com, with images and prices. Pre-order items can be reserved for collection at the airport and are also available to buy from the stores.
CONCLUSION:
For a travel retail operation that boasts one of the largest rosters of SKUs in the duty free industry, one would expect Dubai Duty Free to give what is a fast-growing category the attention it deserves – and it doesn’t disappoint. Both wine enthusiasts and newcomers thirsty for knowledge will find something suiting their taste, and pockets.
Channeling the pioneering spirit of its founders, Dubai Duty Free has ensured it is at the forefront of travel retail wine offerings – the next step will be to elevate selection with more innovation via exclusives, customer engagement and overall experience.
OVERALL VINTAGE VALUATION RATING (OUT OF 100): 70
PREVIOUS VINTAGE VALUATIONS:
Aelia Duty Free, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport – 90/100
World Duty Free London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 – 51/100
A VENETIAN AMBASSADOR Masi has always been an ambassador for the values of the Venetian Regions. Its story began in 1772, when the Boscaini family, now in its seventh generation, bought prestigious vineyards in the “Vaio dei Masi”, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica zone. With Masi Historic Venetian Estates, the Boscaini family sanctions its work in promoting the cultural traditions of “territories of excellence” through single vineyard wines (crus) and historic noble estates. In Valpolicella, Masi collaborates with the Conti Serego Alighieri family, descendants of the poet Dante, owners of the estate since 1353, and in Rovereto it collaborates with the Conti Bossi Fedrigotti family, a prestigious aristocratic estate since 1697. Cantina Privata Boscaini is made up of precious cru selections and great vintages of Amarone, produced in limited quantities and only when nature is at her most munificent. A family inheritance, to be conserved with the maximum care and shared with the best friends and closest wine passionates. World leaders in the production of Amarone Classico, Masi has developed recognised expertise in the Appassimento technique through its Technical Group. The technique dates back to the ancient Romans and involves leaving grapes to dry on bamboo racks for the winter months to concentrate aromas and flavours in the resulting wine. And an aptitude for innovation has resulted in the production of the widest and most expertly made range of Amaroni, Recioti and Double Fermentation wines – which together form Masi’s calling card in the world. |
