(This post is for all you European wine snobs out there….)
After spending two years abroad in Europe, I have to admit I turned into kind of a wine snob. Those good Italian Chiantis, French Bordeaux, Spanish Riojas, and Portugese Vinho Verdes…drool….
Anyway, I confess that I became a true fan of “Old World” wines (as they’re called abroad), and became skeptical of American contributions.
But, as someone looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle and lower her carbon footprint (and hence, the carbon emissions associated with the transport of food over long distances), I thought I’d use this bus tour as an excuse to get reacquainted with the lovely wine my own country can produce.
I’ve already had two lovely surprises: The Finger Lakes region in New York (where we spent some time during our Ithaca/Cornell stop) generates tasty Reislings. I had one: A 2005 Prejean. It's not too sweet, as some German Reislings can be; I recommend it.
The second wine I had was from a bit further away from the East Coast. It was a California red wine: a J. Lohr Valdiguie. It’s a full-bodied wine with a strong taste of berries (I’d recommend this with “lighter” foods that won’t mask the berry taste).
So, my verdict thus far is that America can do pretty darn well for itself when it comes to wine (bien que je ne refuserai jamais une bonne bouteille de Bordeau français). Now, if anyone has any recommendations for wine from the places next on our itinerary, feel free to share!
By: Sapna Thottathil
Friday, June 29, 2007
Lower your carbon footprint: Drink American wine!
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4 comments:
Cooper Mountain
Willamette Valley pinots! My house backs up to part of their vineyards - certified organic by Oregon Tilth, biodynamic!
If only we had more time in Portland...
--Kayanna
While reducing your carbon footprint is a laudable goal, I would submit to you that there are better ways to achieve this goal than giving up imported wine. Try giving up bottled water, as I did for a month. Or take public transport to work. Or buy a Prius. Just don't give up wine. The best wines are ones that express tremendous individuality and are not easily substitutable, as is water.
In vino,
The Association of American Geographers has a wine specialty group that helps us learn about the wines in the New World. Sipping wine from each of the regions you're going through is a wonderful way to taste what different parts of our country have to offer! You're on your way to New Orleans -- be sure to taste some Pontchartrain Vineyards wine! Nothing south of the Willamette latitude can be 100% pure grape varieties and the Pontchartrain Vineyards are no exception. They grow many grapes locally but need CA grapes to make sure the sugar content is high enough. Have a great tasting trip!
Wow. I didn't even know that drinking American wine instead of European wine can lessen one's carbon footprint! Just like Dr. Vino, though, I have a suggestion to make. If you want to lower your carbon footprint, try giving up burgers. I know they're almost a staple, but lessening consumption will still be able to help lower your carbon footprint. According to Jamais Cascio, current proprietor of Open the Future, Americans' love of burgers contributes around 941 to 1023 pounds (equivalent to 428-465 kg) of greenhouse gas per person, per year! That's a lot of carbon, don't you think?
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