British Airways is taking its first-class experience to new heights with the introduction of a unique selection of all-British sparkling wines. Passengers in Club class, the airline’s equivalent of first class, can now enjoy a rotating selection of five different sparkling wines sourced from English vineyards. These homegrown gems, including offerings from Digby Fine English, Wiston Estate, Simpsons, Hattingley, and Balfour, are served alongside renowned Champagne brands like Heidsieck & Co Monopole Silver Top Non-Vintage Champagne.
To ensure the perfect selection, British Airways employed the expertise of Master of Wine Tim Jackson to curate the wine rotation. Jackson’s unique approach involved sampling and assessing the wines at 30,000 feet in the air. This unconventional tasting environment allows him to evaluate how the wines’ flavors and characteristics are influenced by elevation. By considering factors such as fruit reception, palate dampening, heightened acidity, and aroma dissipation, Jackson chooses wines that truly shine at high altitudes.
The first bottle to grace the Club class experience was the Digby Fine English Brut NV, which showcases ripe orchard fruit flavors complemented by a refreshing salinity. Another standout is Balfour’s Rosé de Noirs, exclusively available on British Airways flights. Carefully calibrated dosage trials ensure this delightful sparkling wine enhances the fruitiness of its red grape composition at 35,000 feet.
Hattingley Valley Blanc de Noir 2018 was specially created for British Airways and boasts a blend that maximizes the wine’s appeal in-flight. The addition of more red fruits and a higher residual sugar content gives this Brut wine a fuller and richer body when enjoyed in the cabin.
Simpsons Chalklands Classic Cuvee NV, hailing from Kent, presents a pale gold appearance and gentle apple notes. Meanwhile, Wiston Estate Brut from Sussex stands out with its bright and invigorating acidity, achieved through traditional winemaking practices and the dedication of a 200-year-old estate.
This new initiative is just one example of British Airways’ dedication to elevating the beverage experience for its passengers. In 2022, the airline made a significant investment by appointing Tim Jackson as its full-time master of wine. His role involves enhancing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink offerings, both in-flight and on the ground. Looking ahead, British Airways plans to highlight the wines of Portugal in its Club World cabins, as well as feature single producers in dedicated bars within its lounges.
British Airways’ decision to feature all-British sparkling wines reflects the increasing prominence and quality of wines produced in England. Over the past decade, the country’s wine region has experienced substantial growth and gained international recognition. The exceptional 2018 vintage, with its favorable weather conditions and bountiful harvest, further bolstered the reputation of British sparkling wine.
For British Airways, the ability to showcase these homegrown wines is a testament to the industry’s progress. The demand for serving British wines, particularly in business class, has risen significantly. This rise in demand aligns with the general trends in British wine production, which has more than doubled over the past five years, reaching an impressive 12.2 million bottles in 2021. The increasing number of visitors to vineyards within the United Kingdom further demonstrates the growing interest in English wines.
The allure of English sparkling wine lies in the distinct terroir that is reminiscent of the finest French regions. The region’s chalk soil, running through the North Downs, Cliffs of Dover, Sussex, and into Champagne, plays a crucial role in cultivating excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. This chalk-rich soil is responsible for creating unique and outstanding sparkling wines, thanks to England’s evolving climate.
The changing climate patterns, in part due to global warming, have contributed to England’s terroir becoming increasingly akin to renowned wine regions such as Chablis and Burgundy. The potential for English wines to rival their French counterparts has garnered attention from prestigious Champagne houses, including Taittinger and Pommery, who have invested in English vineyards.
While passengers cannot purchase these exclusive bottles in-flight, the opportunity to savor them ignites conversations and sparks intrigue among travelers. The introduction of British Airways’ all-British sparkling wine selection serves as a gateway to English wine country. Visitors can explore the beautiful and bucolic vineyards, located just a short drive south of London, dotted with exceptional producers. As the number of wine producers continues to grow, English wine offers a delightful journey for wine enthusiasts seeking something new and exciting.
British Airways’ commitment to showcasing all-British sparkling wines elevates the first-class experience for its passengers. The carefully curated selection, featuring wines chosen specifically for their performance at high altitudes, showcases the impressive quality and diversity of the English wine industry. As English wines gain recognition globally, the opportunity to savor these exclusive offerings on board British Airways flights offers a tantalizing taste of the remarkable wines being produced in the region.
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