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Wines Tastes Different on Planes, So Choose Carefully

Wine tastes different on airplanes and there are a few factors that contribute to this phenomenon:

  1. Cabin pressure: The air pressure in an airplane cabin is much lower than at sea level, which can dull your sense of taste and smell. This can make wine taste less flavorful and aromatic than it would on the ground.

  2. Dry air: The low humidity levels in airplane cabins can also dry out your taste buds and nasal passages, which can further diminish your ability to taste and smell wine.

  3. Noise: The ambient noise on a plane can also affect how you perceive the flavor of wine. Loud engine noise can make it difficult to fully appreciate the subtle nuances of a wine's flavor profile.

Given these factors, which wines are best to drink on a plane? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Choose a full-bodied wine: Since your taste buds may be dulled on a plane, it's a good idea to choose a wine with a bold flavor profile. A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec can hold up well in the low-pressure environment of a plane cabin.

  2. Look for aromatic whites: While whites can be more easily overwhelmed by the dry cabin air, aromatic varietals like Riesling or Gewurztraminer can still deliver a satisfying drinking experience.

  3. Avoid tannic wines: Wines with high levels of tannins, such as many red wines, can become overly astringent and unpalatable on a plane. Stick to lower-tannin wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.

  4. Stay away from cheap wine: Since your senses may be dulled on a plane, it's even more important to choose a high-quality wine. Cheap wine is more likely to taste unappealing or flat, so it's worth splurging a little on a nicer bottle.

  5. Stay hydrated: Lastly, don't forget to drink plenty of water on a plane. Dehydration can exacerbate the negative effects of cabin pressure and dry air, making it even harder to taste and enjoy your wine.

In conclusion, wine can taste different on a plane due to factors like cabin pressure, dry air, and ambient noise. To get the most out of your wine-drinking experience on a flight, choose a full-bodied wine, look for aromatic whites, avoid tannic wines, stay away from cheap wine, and stay hydrated with plenty of water. Cheers!