To be fair, Scharffenberger is a solid enough budget sparkler. I think it stacks up well enough against the lower-priced champagnes, and it isn't really an issue that it "isn't champagne".
Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
There's a different sparkling wine poured for pre-departure beverages in BE. The last few times, I think it was Italian, distinctly worse than the sparkling wine (not champagne) served in the air.
This is because the alcohol served at altitude is duty free. What they serve on the ground is dutiable. I believe that most airlines do this - I know BA does, for example.
Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
The BE/FC wines get worse all the time, but of course fares don't go down.
I don't know about that. They have never been great, but I don't think the current list is really that different from the past few years.