Sarah finds pleasing Miami Airport wine options at The Centurion Lounge…
If there’s one thing missing from Miami International Airport, its a decent wine bar (and, recently, my suitcase for five days). Fortunately for AMEX holders, the Centurion Lounge offers a well-chosen selection of wines for your pre-flight enjoyment – free of charge, of course.
Before a recent trip to Europe, I very selflessly tasted through eight of the wines available in the lounge. They are described below in my personal order of preference. It’s worth noting that I am not a regular New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc drinker, but the Loveblock came out on top thanks to its refreshment and restraint. The rosé and Prosecco were also good options.
So, without further ado…
Wines tasted, in order of preference
Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand
Zesty goosebury and capsicum, true to its Marlborough roots, but a little more restrained than many of its contemporaries. Good concentration with a slight herbal finish. Refreshing – likely to appeal to fans of both the typical Marlborough style and old world Sauvignons. A very pleasing example from a well-respected New Zealand producer.
Rosé Les Serrins 2021, Cotes de Provence
Classic Provence rosé: Pale salmon in colour with gentle red fruits and watermelon on the nose and a soft burst of flavour, with a little creaminess. Quintessential Provence. Refreshing and elegant.
Prosecco Nino Franco ‘Rustico’ NV VS DOCG
This one was a a smart choice for an airport lounge. It’s Prosecco, so the crowd will be pleased. But it’s also a little more serious than the average: It has really nice, concentrated tangy apple characters, and fine bubbles. Crunchy and pleasing.
Loveblock Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2020
Mix of vibrant red fruits – strawberry, cranberry – plus a little earthiness. Juicy and fruity on the palate, with soft tannins. Easy drinking and smile-inducing.
Cecchi Chianti Classico – Storia di Famiglia 2019
Very dry: refreshing, sour cherry and cranberry laced with Italian herbs. Moderate intensity and fresh acidity.
Terlato Pinot Grigio 2021, Friuli Colli Orientalo, Italy
A typically delicate Pinot Grigio with aromas of white blossom, white peach and apple. Moderate concentration and a pithy finish.
Prosecco Rosé, Riodo 2020
Bubbly, slightly candied fruit, and fairly straightforward. Fun – but the white Proescco is better.
Access to the Centurion Lounge is available to Platinum Card Members, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members, Centurion Members, and eligible guests. Find out more here.
Sarah is a freelance wine educator, writer and events host, based in South Beach. She holds the WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits and is a current Master of Wine student.
I like to show up 3 hours early to my flight just so I can hang out and drink in the Centurion Lounge!