Finnair has launched a collection of new special celebratory wines, as it raises a glass to 100 years of flying. The new red and white wines, curated with international expert and wine consultant Ken Chase*, offer an enticing and captivating aroma, alongside traditionally rich flavours for customers to enjoy during their flight.

Finnair’s new Castilla la Mancha White 2022, named ‘Destination North’, features a blend of Airén (85%) and Verdejo (15%) grapes, designed to please palates even at 30,000 feet. Those looking for a warm and delicious red wine can relax with Finnair’s new Castilla la Mancha Red 2022, named ‘100,000 islands’.

This bespoke red wine contains a blend of three grapes, Tempranillo (85%), Syrah (10%) and a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), resulting in a smooth and harmonious blend. In a nod to its heritage, the labels for the new bottles are based on Finnair’s original posters, designed by Erik Bruun** in the 1950s and 60s.

Lauri Ahonen, Finnair Concept & Category Manager, said: “Finding the perfect wine for a Finnair flight for our customers to enjoy at 30,000ft is always a challenge, but even more so during our centenary.

“That’s why we have made the perfect pairing with Ken Chase, who has carefully selected some topflight wines to tantalise the taste buds and we are excited to serve them onboard to ensure a unique experience for Finnair customers.”

Ken Chase, International Wine Consultant, said: “When selecting the wines for this crucial undertaking, we sought after three key elements in the wines prior to the final blend. “The first element was seduction, which required the wine to have an enticing aroma that immediately captivates our customers, with a fresh and varietally typical scent being essential. The second element was structure, necessitating a wine with a rich mid-palate that enables flavours to linger throughout the palate, leaving a gratifying aftertaste.

“The third element was overall balance, which we refer to as the yummy factor. It’s an all-encompassing sensation that leaves one feeling satisfied after indulging in a glass of wine. Each wine must possess all three of these elements before being considered for the final blend.”

The Castilla la Mancha White label is based on Brunn’s famous ‘Lohilentokone’ poster titled “Destination North Finland”, used by Finnair in 1959. The unique fish-shaped aircraft was inspired by Brunn’s travels, during which he met enthusiastic fishermen carrying their equipment onboard the Nordic carrier.

Meanwhile, the label for the red wine is based on Finnair’s advertising from the 1960s, during which time Brunn took inspiration from the Finnish archipelago where he lived on the Suomenlinna island of the Helsinki coastal area.

The newly developed red and white wines will be available to all Economy Class customers from today, with those in Business Class able to enjoy a tipple from later this spring.