British Airways will now serve Hattingley Valley English sparkling wine

British Airways is celebrating its 100th anniversary by partnering with Hampshire-based winery Hattingley Valley to launch its own English sparkling wine designed to be consumed at high altitudes.

The fizz will be available exclusively in British Airways’ first class cabin as well as the airline’s flagship lounge, The Concorde Room in Heathrow Terminal 5, from 1 July.

The wine is a 2015 Blanc de Noir that BA said will “work perfectly at altitude,” according to a statement.

Emma Rice, Hattingley Valley’s director and head winemaker, said English fizz is now “incredibly popular around the world so we’re thrilled to have partnered with British Airways to create an exceptional wine that can be enjoyed on the ground and in the air across their network.”

British Airways is celebrating its centenary with a number of additions to its in-flight menu, including a gin and an IPA from Brewdog, designed to be consumed at altitude.

They form part of a series of ‘centenary editions’ that British Airways will be releasing in partnership with British brands during its milestone year.

Kelly Stevenson, BA’s wine and beverage manager, said the wine will “excel at altitude as the notes of red apple skins and light red fruits really shine through.”

“We’ve loved working with Hattingley Valley to create something really special for our First customers and this will be the first time we have ever served an English Sparkling Blanc de Noirs on board,” she said.