Speaking of Worthy...

Is a nation's wine reputation somehow linked to the America's Cup?

In the 80's we saw the rise of Australian (indeed, W.A.'s Margaret River) wines coincident with the celebrated win of Australia II in 1983. Likewise California wines in the late 80's and 90's after DC took the Cup there in 1987. Anyone for a cool, crisp ZD Chardonnay?

And what about the rise of Kiwi wines on the world stage, especially the Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs, while we were in NZL for the 2000 and 2003 Cups?

Now we find ourselves in Spain, and, no surprise, this article appears in today's New York Times extolling the virtues of -- you guessed it -- Spanish wines.

Perhaps the Challenger Commission needs to appoint a special task force to further investigate this phenomenon. No doubt any number of CC Reps and Alternates would be qualified and not unhappy to serve. Cheers!



Grapes from Bierzo, the newly acclaimed
wine region in northwestern Spain. With
thanks to Peter Huston (USA) for the tip.