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Wine Bolsters U.S. Troops in Afghanistan
Yahoo News via Drudge Report ^ | Mon Feb 4, 7:55 AM ET | Editorial Staff

Posted on 02/04/2002 4:30:26 PM PST by 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.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS:
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.
1 posted on 02/04/2002 4:30:26 PM PST by vannrox (MyEMail)
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To: vannrox
I don't think our troops need any Dutch courage, but I'm sure they appreciate the gesture.
2 posted on 02/04/2002 4:37:43 PM PST by Pilsner
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To: vannrox
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?
3 posted on 02/04/2002 4:42:48 PM PST by dr.cookie
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To: vannrox
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?
4 posted on 02/04/2002 4:42:49 PM PST by dr.cookie
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To: vannrox
Thank you Spain. (It's more than the French have done.)
5 posted on 02/04/2002 4:44:38 PM PST by Tribune7
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To: vannrox
especially recommended for accompanying a meal of kid

Huh? Do they eat kids in Spain?

6 posted on 02/04/2002 4:47:11 PM PST by krb
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To: Tribune7
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*

7 posted on 02/04/2002 4:49:43 PM PST by Happygal
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To: Tribune7
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.

8 posted on 02/04/2002 4:50:34 PM PST by mgstarr
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To: Happygal
French wine is overrated. French whine, of course, is not. Chilean is very cool.
9 posted on 02/04/2002 4:54:35 PM PST by Tribune7
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To: vannrox
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.
10 posted on 02/04/2002 4:56:13 PM PST by caisson71
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To: dr.cookie
Anyone see the cork remover?

Not a single cork remover in all of Afghanistan.

AAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!

11 posted on 02/04/2002 4:58:49 PM PST by dighton
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To: vannrox
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.
12 posted on 02/04/2002 4:59:16 PM PST by DugwayDuke
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To: vannrox
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!
13 posted on 02/04/2002 5:02:04 PM PST by Non-Sequitur
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To: vannrox
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.
14 posted on 02/04/2002 5:17:50 PM PST by livius
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To: vannrox
These are the gestures of civilized men.
15 posted on 02/04/2002 6:17:35 PM PST by JmyBryan
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To: livius
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!
16 posted on 02/04/2002 6:40:48 PM PST by Braak
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Comment #17 Removed by Moderator

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