This Day in the Wines Served At Famous Coronations, Weddings, and Events in History
This document highlights some of the important dates related to the wines and vintages served in famous weddings, coronations, and events in history.
July 4th, 1776: On this day, Thomas Jefferson, a strong supporter, and drinker of wine used Madeira to celebrate the Declaration of Independence’s signing in 1776. Madeira is a fortified wine that originates from the Portuguese nation’s Madeira Island, which is located off the coast of Northern Africa. As the wine was being transported in the hot conditions inside the ship hulls on its long voyage to the New World or the East Indies, Madeira wine first got its particular flavor. By heating the wine throughout the winemaking process, the distinctive flavors cultivated during those trips are reproduced.
April 30th, 1789: On this day, following George Washington’s inauguration, Madeira was also served.
April 30th, 1803: On this day, Champagne was served to recognize the French portion of the Louisiana Purchase agreement in 1803 as well as Málaga and Madeira since the latter was the official wine of the United States.
August 9th, 1902: On this day, Mumm champagne was served at the coronation of Edward VII. Salmon, poultry, woodcock, and a plethora of vibrant fruits were all on Tschumi’s menu. According to the Royal Collection Trust, the dish of snipe cutlets encased in a pork caul and covered in brandy, pâté, and golden breadcrumbs was the most intriguing item on the menu. This hearty dish of pork was topped with a Madeira truffle sauce and served with beans, truffles, and mushrooms. Beyond the royal table, London’s streets were alive with parades and streets.
Image source – newsweek.com
June 2nd, 1953: On this day, Traminac from the Ilok Cellars was served at the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II. The delegates’ selection of the 1947 harvest wine was rumored to have been influenced by the fact that Elizabeth and Philipe were married in 1947. Ilok Cellars is the only Croatian winery whose wines are still served on the royal court today because of Traminac from the harvest of 1947, and if someone from the outside wants that royal treatment, they will have to pay roughly 7.500 euros for a bottle of Traminac from 1947.
March 26th, 2008: On this day, 1961 Château Margaux was served at the French state banquet at Windsor Castle. The majority of contemporary state banquets are held at Buckingham Palace, however, some are held at Windsor Castle, the majestic royal residence. This was the situation when Nicolas Sarközy, a former president of France, and Carla Bruni Sarközy, his wife, paid a state visit to Britain in 2008. Gordon Brown, who was the prime minister at the time, and David Cameron, the leader of the opposition, were among the 150 guests who sat down to a feast at the castle. Following the Queen’s usual speech in which she praised Britain’s unique relationship with France, the guests were taken through to a 170-foot mahogany table set up in St. George’s Hall, where the eating started. Lamb in a creamy hazelnut sauce was served after the brill fillet on the French-inspired menu.
January 20th, 2009: On this day, Duckhorn, Korbel was served at the official Obama first inaugural lunch. President Barack Obama was honored with only American wines at the formal inaugural feast. American lawmakers drank three California wines during the post-inauguration lunch at the Capitol in Washington. The Napa Valley Duckhorn Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc accompanied the first entrée, a seafood stew with puff pastry on top. A brace of American birds (pheasant and duck) served with sour cherry chutney and molasses sweet potatoes made up the second course, which was paired with Goldeneye 2005 Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley, a member of the Duckhorn stable. Dessert included apple cinnamon sponge cake and sweet cream glacé, and it was served with sparkling wine called “Special Inaugural Cuvée” from Korbel Natural. At the previous five inaugurations of presidents, Korbel was provided.
May 25th, 2011: On this day, at the state supper honoring President Barack Obama’s visit, Her Majesty the Queen served Ridgeview Fitzrovia Sparkling Rosé 2004, putting English sparkling wine on a global stage at Buckingham Palace. Along with sole and new-season lamb, the Ridgeview wine was presented with Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2004, Echezeaux Grand Cru 1990, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Vintage Rich 2002, and other fine wines. David Cameron, Lord Coe, Richard Branson, Sir John Major, Hillary Clinton, Mayor Boris Johnson, Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, Tom Hanks, and Kevin Spacey were among the attendees.
January 21st, 2013: On this day, at the President Obama inauguration celebration, which marked the start of the New Year and the start of President Barack Obama’s second term, a famed local wine, the 2009 merlot from Bedell Cellars, was served with bison.
Image Source – sfgate.com
19th Oct. 2015: On this day, the China state banquet at Buckingham Palace was organized. Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2008 was one of six exceptional wines chosen to be served at the state banquet for Chinese President Xi Jinping that Queen Elizabeth II of England hosted at Buckingham Palace. There were 150 dignitaries present, including British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Andrew. The additional wines were Ridgeview Grosvenor Brut 2009 (a Sessex, UK-based sparkling wine), Meursault Santenots 2007 of Marquis d’Angerville (a Premier Cru Chardonnay from Burgundy, France), Haut-Brion 1989 (a red blend from Bordeaux, France), and Warre’s Vintage Port 1977.
According to the Klein Constantia historians, European monarchy has enjoyed Sweet Constantia wine at least since the 1770s. 409 bottles of “Capp Constancia” were included in an October 1777 inventory for Prussian King Frederick the Great’s cellar at Schloss Sanssouci. In their cellar at Versailles, Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette had far more Constantia than Bordeaux or even Burgundy in November 1782.
June 3rd, 2019: On this day, US President Donald Trump and his family joined the Royal Family for a state dinner at Buckingham Palace. At the State Dinner, the main course was a saddle of Windsor lamb with herb stuffing and a Port sauce. The beginning was steamed halibut with watercress mousse and asparagus spears. Dessert was a strawberry lemon verbena sale. There were several wines available, including the 2014 Windsor Great Park Vineyard sparkling wine, Queen Elizabeth’s sparkling wine produced at a Laithwaite’s-managed vineyard in Windsor Great Park.
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