President Obama will serve local wine

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The 2010 Tierce Dry Riesling, a collaboration between three Seneca Lake wineries, will be served at the inaugural luncheon for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, Monday, Jan. 21.
“Tierce, a dry Riesling, is a unique collaboration among winemakers from three different Finger Lakes wineries: Anthony Road Winery, Fox Run Vineyards, and Red Newt Cellars,” said Jim Trezise, executive director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. He explained each winery provided their own wines from the 2010 vintage. The winemakers then spent a full day tasting different blends until they settled on the final Tierce.
U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) announced Jan. 9, the Riesling is a local beverage that will be served at the luncheon. Schumer, chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said that the Tierce Riesling will be served along with the first course, while Rochester’s Seaway Trail honey will be served during the third course which includes a Hudson Valley apple pie with sour cream, ice cream, and aged cheddar.
“President Obama, Vice President Biden, members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Cabinet will all get a taste of New York’s finest wines with the Tierce 2010 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling,” said Schumer.
“The recognition was long overdo for the Finger Lakes and Long Island,” said Scott Osbourn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards. “It’s an honor to be served at a luncheon for the president. I’m almost speechless.”
“This is a really exciting project,” said Dave Whiting, owner and winemaker of Red Newt Cellars. “It was created as a joint effort by three winemakers with three different backgrounds.”
He said the trio has worked together over the last six years to “create really exquisite wine.” Whiting added, “I really hope it will be an inspiration for our leaders in Washington D.C.”
Anthony Road Wine Cellars Owner Anthony Martini said about eight cases of wine were sent for the luncheon. He also added many wines were submitted for consideration. Martini said, “I’m very confident it will be very good.”
“This is the first time in modern history that New York wines have been served at this incredibly special luncheon, as well as the first time that a Riesling has been showcased,” said Trezise.  “Finger Lakes Riesling have deservedly earned an international reputation for quality, which this occasion both reflects and accentuates.”