-Thomas Jefferson
In honor of our country's birthday and um...well, My Birthday, I am pointing your attention to the forefather that not only wrote the Constitution of the United States, but also loved wine more than most.
Thomas Jefferson.
How very fitting.
Mr. Jefferson so loved wine that he found it his duty to handle all importation of wines into the U.S.
From ordering, shipping, and payment Jefferson felt his own knowledge as well as his relationships with the vintners would ensure honesty and quality for consumers.
I have such a crush on this guy, pun intended.
Thomas Jefferson served as Ambassador to the U.S. in Paris for five years and during that time (on his own dime) he managed to squeeze in two very fruitful trips. The first was through Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Languedoc, Provence, and Piedmont (Italy), while the second focused further North; Rhine, Mosel, and Champagne.
I have to say, after touring these areas on my own dime, it is not easy. The wine country in France while gorgeous, is no cakewalk-Napa-style-vacay.
Everything is spread out, many vintners are not interested in talking with you and something about the French make me think Mr. Jefferson did not have much easier of a time, Ambassador or not.
But as a true and original oenophile, it seems he was willing to take on that challenge.
God love him, and thank him for starting the importation of good wines to the U.S.
And I like to think he wouldn't mind all the glorious juice we have being produced on this side of the pond these days.
