How the wine menu is planned for flights

A wine you enjoy at home will taste completely different on a flight because the low air pressure and low humidity of high altitudes suppress the perception of taste and smell. Tim Jackson, British Airways’ first full-time master of wine, speaks to Lounge about designing a menu for a pleasurable in-flight wine experience. Both in business and first class, you’ll always find a Sauvignon Blanc in the white category, because it’s quite bright and aromatic, and works well at high altitudes. It’s a wine which is likely to perform well on a flight, because the balance between fruit and tannins works well.