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.

Spanish Wine Rocks

I recently came back from the Spanish Islands and had the chance to reacquaint myself with the Timpranillo grape. Huge robust Reds, excellent with Paella and Tapas, which seemed so perfect even in the hotter climes of the Med. The Spanish are very passionate about this grape. The wine from the grape they rate as highly as anything from Barolo, Bordeaux or Southern Australia. It's easy to get hold of, mainly found in Rioja and Navarra so look out for Marques de Caceres, Marques de Riscal and Vina Ardanza, all excellent.

The real surprise though was a lovely white wine produced by the massive Torres company called Vina Esmeralda. Readily available from Oddbins it retails at a mere £6.99 and is an excellent example of a Moscatel and Gewurztraminer mix producing a wine that is very easy to drink, very fruity with a slight hint of spice from the Gewurz. Try it one of these warm evenings, chilled and in a clean glass it is a very welcome change from the numerous Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs in this price range.

Cru Bourgeois

What is happening in Bordeaux? I am confused. Is the 2003 classification of Cru Bourgeois going to last? I heard that it had been abolished only 4 years after its inception. Frankly I am very confused. I liked the old classification, the wines were reliable and affordable and a great guide to amateur wine connoisseurs all over the world. I want them to go back to where they were and stop being driven by commercial motivators. These are the best wines in the world, under threat from the Americas, Eastern Europe and Australasia. I wish the french would sort themselves out and concentrate on what they do best, producing fantastic wines.