What’s the most outstanding wine experience you’ve ever had on a commercial airline flight, in terms of selection or service?
A recent trip to Japan on ANA brought this topic to mind, as I encountered the strongest in flight selections I’ve seen thus far. This may be because I normally fly United, who has a disastrous wine program, of course. Overall, though, ANA did a really excellent job. Obviously I didn’t try everything listed below, but it was clear that some thought went into the selections, including the need for a slightly more bold flavor profile at altitude. Considering the need for an airline to stick with wines that have at least moderate availability, I think they did quite well. Yes, this was in the first class cabin, scored via my United miles…
Champagnes:
Krug MV (served intentionally in a white wine glass, no less)
Bruno Paillard NV Rose Premiere Cuvee
Whites:
2014 Asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc/Napa
2014 Albert Bichot Chablis 1er Les Vaucoupins Domaine Long-Depaquit
2014 Marufuji Koshu Rubaiyat Sur Lie
2014 Marchesi Fescobaldi Pomino Bianco Riserva Benefizio
Reds:
2012 Trefethen Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Boucherottes
2013 Petaluma Shiraz
2013 Pian delle Vigne (Antinori) Rosso di Montalcino
Sake / Shochu: to numerous to list, and labels with no English… But they did arrange a tasting of the various sakes for me, which was a good learning experience.
Special Bonus: Suntory Hibiki 21-year old whisky