The Best Wines to Enjoy On Board of an Aircraft
If you’re a wine connoisseur who loves to travel, you know that the right wine can enhance any experience, including flying. Whether you’re jet-setting for business or pleasure, indulging in a glass of wine on board of an aircraft can be a luxurious way to pass the time and elevate your travel experience. But not all wines are created equal when it comes to enjoying them at high altitudes. So, let’s explore the best wines to drink on board of an aircraft and make your next flight a truly memorable one!
Champagne – The Bubbly Delight
Nothing says celebration like a glass of champagne, and it’s a perfect choice for toasting to the start of your journey on board of an aircraft. The effervescence and acidity of champagne can cut through the dryness and low humidity of the cabin air, making it a refreshing and enjoyable option at 30,000 feet. Look for well-known champagne brands like Dom Perignon, Moët & Chandon, or Veuve Clicquot for a truly indulgent experience.
Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and Refreshing
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that is known for its crisp, refreshing, and zesty flavors, making it an excellent choice for drinking on board of an aircraft. Its high acidity can help cut through the dullness of the cabin air and enhance your taste buds. Look for Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, such as Cloudy Bay or Kim Crawford, for their bright and lively flavors that can make your flight even more enjoyable.
Pinot Noir – Elegant and Versatile
If you prefer red wine, Pinot Noir is an excellent option for flying. It’s a lighter-bodied red wine with delicate flavors of red fruits and earthiness that can be easily appreciated at high altitudes. Its lower tannin content and higher acidity make it smoother and more versatile for in-flight consumption. Look for Pinot Noir from regions like Burgundy, France, or Oregon, USA, for their elegant and refined profiles.
Rosé – Fun and Flirty
Rosé is a delightful and versatile wine that can be enjoyed on board of an aircraft, especially during warmer months or for a celebratory vibe. Rosé typically has a refreshing acidity, and its pink hue can add a touch of fun and excitement to your in-flight experience. Look for rosé from Provence, France, or Napa Valley, USA, for their crisp and dry styles that are perfect for sipping at high altitudes.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold and Robust
If you’re a fan of bold and robust red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon can be a good choice for drinking on board of an aircraft. Its rich flavors of black fruits, spice, and oak can stand up to the dry cabin air and provide a full-bodied experience. Look for Cabernet Sauvignon from regions like Napa Valley, California, or Bordeaux, France, for their renowned quality and complexity.
Riesling – Sweetness and Acidity in Balance
For those who prefer a sweeter wine, Riesling can be a good option for flying. Riesling wines are known for their sweetness and acidity in perfect balance, creating a harmonious and refreshing profile that can counterbalance the dryness of the cabin air. Look for Riesling from Germany or Alsace, France, for their high-quality and aromatic styles that can elevate your flight experience.
Tip for Enjoying Wine on Board of an Aircraft
Choose Wines with Higher Acidity: Wines with higher acidity can help cut through the dryness of the cabin air and enhance your taste and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
If you’re looking to buy good wines, there are several options to consider:
- Specialty Wine Shops: Many specialty wine shops carry a selection of exclusive or hard-to-find wines. These shops may have knowledgeable staff who can guide you to unique and rare wines from different regions around the world.
- Vineyards and Wineries: Visiting vineyards and wineries in wine-producing regions can be a great way to access exclusive wines. Some wineries offer tastings and sales of limited-production wines that may not be available elsewhere.
- Wine Auctions: Wine auctions, both online and in-person, can be a source of exclusive and rare wines. Auctions often feature fine and collectible wines, including limited-edition releases and vintages that are not commonly found in retail stores.
- Wine Clubs and Subscriptions: Wine clubs and subscriptions are another way to access exclusive wines. Many wineries and wine merchants offer wine clubs that provide members with regular shipments of unique and limited-production wines, often accompanied by additional perks such as discounts, special events, and access to exclusive releases.
- Online Wine Retailers: There are several online wine retailers that specialize in exclusive and hard-to-find wines. These retailers often have a wide selection of unique and rare wines from different regions, and they may offer detailed information and ratings to help you make informed choices.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Some upscale restaurants with extensive wine lists may offer exclusive and rare wines for purchase. These restaurants may have sommeliers or wine experts who can assist you in selecting unique and high-quality wines to accompany your meal.
There are several online retailers that specialize in exclusive wines and offer a wide range of options for wine enthusiasts. Here are some suggestions:
- Wine.com: Wine.com is a popular online wine retailer that offers a wide selection of exclusive and hard-to-find wines from around the world. They have a vast inventory of premium and collectible wines, including rare vintages and limited-production wines.
- Firstleaf Wine Club: Firstleaf is an algorithm-powered wine club. Once members have submitted three ratings about the wines they’ve sampled, it claims to have a success rate of 98% on future wine recommendations.
- Benchmark Wine Group: Benchmark Wine Group is a leading online wine retailer that specializes in fine and rare wines. They have an extensive collection of exclusive and hard-to-find wines, including vintage and limited-production bottles from renowned wineries.
- WineBid: WineBid is an online auction platform that allows wine collectors to bid on exclusive and rare wines. They offer a wide range of wines, including collectible and highly sought-after bottles from top wineries around the world.
- Wine Access: Wine Access is an online wine retailer that offers a curated selection of exclusive and hard-to-find wines. They have a team of wine experts who curate their offerings, and they often feature limited-production and small-batch wines that are not widely available.
- SommSelect: SommSelect is an online wine retailer that offers a carefully curated selection of exclusive and hard-to-find wines chosen by sommeliers. They focus on unique and artisanal wines from around the world, and their offerings often include limited-production and rare bottles.
So, remember when it comes to selecting wines to enjoy on board an aircraft, there are a few factors to consider. Due to the cabin’s pressurized environment and altitude, our taste buds can be slightly affected, making some wines taste different than they would on the ground. Additionally, airlines often curate their own wine lists to cater to different preferences. However, here are some general recommendations for wines that tend to be enjoyable during flights:
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White Wines:
- Sauvignon Blanc: It is crisp, refreshing, and typically exhibits citrus and herbal notes.
- Chardonnay: Opt for lighter, unoaked versions with balanced acidity.
- Riesling: Choose off-dry or semi-sweet Rieslings to counterbalance the dry cabin atmosphere.
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Red Wines:
- Pinot Noir: This light to medium-bodied red wine often has red fruit flavors and a smooth finish.
- Merlot: Look for fruit-forward and medium-bodied Merlots that are not overly tannic.
- Grenache: Known for its fruitiness, low tannins, and approachability, Grenache can be a good choice.
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Rosé Wine:
- Rosé wines are versatile and can be refreshing during a flight. Look for dry or semi-dry styles with good acidity.
Individual taste preferences vary, so it’s essential to choose wines you personally enjoy. If the airline or private jet operator provides a wine list, it’s worth exploring their offerings as they may have selected wines specifically suited to the in-flight experience.
Sante!
