Photo Confessions: The Government Shutdown Countdown

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. 

As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. 

There will still be business enough." 

~ Abraham Lincoln

Photo Source: 

http://www.cagle.com/topics/syria/page/85/

Dear Enthusiasts!

Let's get political.*

As a former political science major from the D.C. area, I learned  pretty early on that the American political system is a bit... dysfunctional. With that in mind, I have endeavored to maintain political neutrality - at all costs (

yet

I do love a good political cartoon!!!). With a government shutdown looming, yet again, I think its time to address the subject... at least from a more creative point of view than your local newscasters. What wine to drink as the countdown to shutdown winds down!

We use wine to celebrate all sorts of events - birthdays, weddings, the countdown to the New Year. And now it seems the threat of shutting down the American government is a recurring "holiday" of sorts so, I think it deserves of wine of its own.

Now what to drink?

 Tough decision right?! Well the first decision was easy, red or white? The threat of government shutdown clearly deserves red.** (It's chilly out!) Now the tough part - which grape to feature? I knew this grape needed to have some attitude, spice, and mouth-drying tannin. This holiday is not a day for smooth and light-bodied Pinot Noir. 

And the winner is... 

Grenache/Syrah blend 

(Grenache aka Garnacha). These red grapes are known for producing wine with personality. The wines are typically medium to full-bodied. As Jay McInerney put it (a favorite wine writer), "its old world wine with California cleavage." Ilove Grenache, but is rare to find Grenache on its own. It is typically blended with Syrah and M

ourvédre (to give it the peppery kick and lower the alcohol content).

Where to look...

Southern Rh

ô

ne, France;

 specifically Chateauneuf-du-Pape or 

Côtes-du- Rhône (more details on these regions later!).

Here's hoping the government gets there act together and there is no shutdown. But just in case, I have a bottle of wine on standby.

Cheers!

*Any guesses on what pop culture reference I was channeling here - hint its a musical.

**Color choice is

not

indicative of political affiliation.