Soms vraag je je af waarom nieuws zolang op zich laat wachten. Zo komt British Airways nu pas met het (pers)bericht dat er Sparkling Brut Rosé van eigen bodem in de eerste klas wordt uitgeschonken. De bubbels komen uit de ‘Engelse ’wijngaarden van bubbelmaker Balfour. Dat landsdeel produceert al enkele jaren mousserende topwijnen. Dus die Balfour Brut had al veel eerder op de schenklijst van die luchtlijn kunnen staan. Business traveller liet op de website weten:

“British Airways will serve Balfour Brut Rosé from the Hush Heath winery in Kent in its First cabins and Heathrow lounges this summer.

The carrier says it will be the first airline to offer an English sparkling wine on flights, with the Rosé available between July and September in first class cabins and lounges at T5.

The 2007 vintage has been made using the strict Champagne Method process, from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grape varieties, and is being released exclusively for BA.

BA says that the move is part of its support for British growers, with other examples including Herefordshire beef, Loch Fyne fresh fish and Cropwell Bishop Stilton also featuring on its menus.

According to the tasting notes, the wine's "well developed nose has notes of brioche, citrus and wild strawberry”, and the finish is “crisp and delicate with a well balanced, refreshing fruity acidity”.