Wine Bolsters U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

Yahoo News via Drudge Report ^ | Mon Feb 4, 7:55 AM ET | Editorial Staff

[vannrox]

Wine Bolsters U.S. Troops in Afghanistan Wine Bolsters U.S. Troops in Afghanistan
Mon Feb 4, 7:55 AM ET

ALMENDRALEJO, Spain (Reuters) - A Spanish vineyard boasting that its produce fosters heroism and muscular strength has shipped 4,000 bottles of vintage red to U.S. troops engaged in Afghanistan.

Each bottle in the special order for the Whitbey Island Task Force carries a special label commemorating Operation Enduring Freedom, the multinational campaign which overthrew Afghanistan's Taliban government.

The wine itself is 1997 vintage, made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo grapes and aged for two years in oak casks, and especially recommended for accompanying a meal of kid or game.

At the entrance to the Vina Extremadura vineyard in Almendralejo, southwestern Spain, is a poem glazed on traditional tiles extolling the restorative properties of wine.

"Wine increases muscular strength....enhances association, forgiveness and heroism," the poem reads. "It lends a sense of euphoria wherever life may lead."

Although wine and all other alcoholic beverages are spurned by followers of Islam, the dominant religion in Afghanistan, Diego Franco, sales director at Vina Extremadura, said he saw nothing unusual in the destination for the shipment.

We've been doing special orders for years for troops engaged in many parts of the world," he said.

Other special orders have been bottled with commemorative labels for shipment, via the U.S. base at Rota in southern Spain, to the USS Saipan aircraft carrier and for use by U.S. Navy "Seals," or special forces.

[vannrox]

Hum... Wine is made "special" for US Servicemen. Hum... It had better be checked for Germ Warfare or poison. Nothing is FREE. Beware of Strangers bearing gifts.

[Pilsner]

I don't think our troops need any Dutch courage, but I'm sure they appreciate the gesture.

[dr.cookie]

Maybe we were on a wine drunk when we attacked the good guys last week. But after all it was our first ground combat so we need a pass. Anyone see the cork remover?

[dr.cookie]

Maybe we were on a wine drunk when we attacked the good guys last week. But after all it was our first ground combat so we need a pass. Anyone see the cork remover?

[Tribune7]

Thank you Spain. (It's more than the French have done.)

[krb]

especially recommended for accompanying a meal of kid

Huh? Do they eat kids in Spain?

[Happygal]

Who wants to drink that French rubbish anyways ;-)

Of course my red of preference is Chilean, so that's probably not a good exampe! *L*

[mgstarr]

I agree! And the Spanish make some incredible wines too - much better bargain than across the border in France.

The suggestion to test it for bio / chem agents (not by you) was a bit reactionary. I'm all for being cautious, but let's not be obnoxious and insult a noble gesture.

[Tribune7]

French wine is overrated. French whine, of course, is not. Chilean is very cool.

[caisson71]

The Brits have been doing this for years with German wines. A British Regiment will buy a whole vinyard's production and put a special label on it for purchase by that unit's people only.

[dighton]

Anyone see the cork remover?

Not a single cork remover in all of Afghanistan.

AAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!

[DugwayDuke]

All very nice, but none of it will make it to the GIs. No, the Generals won't drink it. The US Army is on a completely TeeTottling kick. No booze in the field. Much the pity. Shame to waste such a fine gift.

[Non-Sequitur]

Are you kidding? Spanish wine is fantastic! I volunteer to personally test each and every bottle if that will make you feel better. Spanish red in a pitcher with ice and fruit, can't beat it!

[livius]

Wine from the Extremadura region is extremely hearty and fortifying (and quite tasty, too). Thanks for letting us know of a kind gesture from Spain, one of our genuine allies.

[JmyBryan]

These are the gestures of civilized men.

[Braak]

Dude! Too True..brings back some happy memories of Rota for me, I was a wee lad (all of six), but my folks let me sip Sangria in a shot glass with dinner, didn't hurt me one bit..am I a lush, no...So yeah...Spanish wine is a wonderful thing, GRACIAS ESPIANA!