When Jessie Rodriguez speaks, Bay Area golfers listen.
The two-time James Beard semifinalist, former Head Sommelier of The French Laundry in Napa Valley and current resident sommelier for leading private aviation company Magellan Jets has released his list of wines favored by golfers flying to and from championship courses worldwide.
“Magellan Jets’ discerning golfers value high quality like no other,” said Rodriguez “so we carefully selected a diverse yet engaging collection of wines to ensure there’s something for everyone at 40,000 feet.
Rodriguez looks for balanced acidity, ripe fruit and a structure that holds up in the drier cabin environment. It’s about prestigious labels and wines which enhance memorable travel experiences.
At high altitude, cabin pressure and low humidity influence how certain flavors are perceived, especially sweetness and fruitiness, which become harder to notice. The conditions often cause wines to taste firmer and more structured.
Tannins and acidity seem more prominent, so wines that feel soft and fruity on the ground may come across as sharper or more astringent while flying. Also, senses of taste and smell are slightly dulled which can affect how flavors are perceived.
Rodriguez is internationally known for pairing wines and champagnes (which maintain their complexity and richness) with exquisite cuisine like that on Magellan Jets flights. Bold flavors, solid acidity and balanced sweetness are characteristics Rodriguez and Magellan Jets prioritize.
The expert’s recommendations:
Champagne
- Bruno Paillard, Nec Plus Ultra (50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) – Magellan Jets Private Clients are “wowed” due to its rarity; only – only eight different vintages have been made to date.
- Charles Ellner, Brut Rosé(50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) – Perfect to satisfy rose-flavored desires, we have a bubbly that over delivers and is neither seen in every market nor readily available.
White
- Riesling – Known for its acidity and balance of sweetness, this is an awesome, versatile choice for in-flight dining. Rodriguez gushes over Karthäuserhof, “Bruno” from the Mosel region, and Dönnhoff, “Slate” from Nahe. Both hail from Germany.
- Sauvignon Blanc – With crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes, this holds up nicely in the air. Check out Ride from Napa Valley or Domaine Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fume De Pouilly Fume from France’s Loire Valley.
- Chardonnay – Oaked or unoaked versions from Burgundy or California work well, offering either minerality or buttery richness. In the Golden State, Hudson Vineyards, “Ladybug Vineyard,” in Carneros from the Hudson Estate is an ethereal selection. From France, look to Domaine Roulot Bourgogne Blanc.
Red
- Beaujolais – From the Gamay-based wine region, this boasts bright, playful fruit and soft tannins which stand out in a dry cabin. Look for producers like Chateau Thivin, Côte de Brouilly and Marcel Lapierre, Morgon
- Pinot Noir – From Oregon or Burgundy, we’re talking elegant with bright acidity and lower tannins, making it an ideal for soaring Magellan Jets Private Clients. Think of Royal Prince from Sta. Rita Hills in California, Cowhorn, Johan Vineyards from Applegate, Oregon and Maison Champy from Burgundy.
- Syrah – These wines feature a black pepper note and hints of black fruit, olive tapenade and cured meats. Consider Lewis Cellars Syrah that’s fruit-forward or Alain Graillot’s Crozes-Hermitage that exudes elevated earth tones with a vibrant backbone of meat and olives.
- Cabernet-Based – Many are produced at high altitudes and can taste structured and elegant in the air without the overpowering sweetness some have on the ground. Think KHK Wines in Napa Valley, Perchance Estates, produced exclusively from Beckstoffer, Oakville’s To-Kalon and Rutherford’s George III vineyards.
Golfers have Rodriguez to thank for helping them live the life of the achieved flying with Magellan Jets. Perhaps it’s the spark required to set course records.