Saturday 14 March 2009

Should the Wine House only serve American Wine?

Should the Wine House only serve American wine?

I read an interesting article in Decanter this month that referenced an online debate on the Slate about the US Presidents policy of only serving American wines at the White House. Apparently this has been their stance since Lyndon Johnson decided this course of action in the 1960’s. Perhaps Barack Obama should listen to his own rhetoric and follow his own lead for change?

Allowing foreign wines into the White House will not be damming the American wine industry and I am sure that it is quite right to keep the majority of their cellar to some of their fantastic wines. However, a small selection of the very best from around the rest of the world will not only support this President’s foreign policy of being more open and inclusive of the world outside of their shores but it will also give his guests a real treat and open up their minds to what the rest of the world is capable of.

I’m not going to start a debate about US wines verses the rest of the world but I am sure it would be nice touch to treat senior American officials with some of the excellent wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Spain, Italy, Australia or New Zealand. Equally make sure the French Ambassador continues to experience the very best from Napa, Sonoma or St. Helena.

What a great way to show the world that the Americans are not myopic in their views over everything and in this time of credit crunch what a great treat for all visitors to this fine institution.

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