Thanks to our extensive "Tea Party" connections, The Italian Cellar, was afforded an opportunity to briefly speak with Texas Senator Ted Cruz following his big announcement Monday at Liberty University in Lynchburg Tennessee that he was running for President in the 2016 election:
Senator Cruz, best of luck in your campaign. What was the first wine that made you realize you loved wine?
"Damijan Ribolla Gialla 2002 made me change the way I look at white wine, and the first time I had Quintarelli Amarone I knew I’d never tasted anything even close to that before. However I have to say that the wine that did it for me, that truly made me realize that I love wine was Bartolo Mascarello’s 1989 Barolo (out of a magnum). Like the Quintarelli it possessed layers and depth that I could draw few comparisons to, and definitely had the "what was that?" impact on me. However the one thing that made this one truly stand out was it’s elegance. To this day if you asked me to describe my idea of “elegance” I would have to say that that wine is an example that I would use."
Describe your perfect meal and the wine you'd pair with it.
"Well I was recently on an anti-Obamacare junket in Piemonte, so how could I not mention white truffles on Tajarin with aged Barolo. But there is also something to be said about the simplicity of a white like Verdicchio from Le Marche (look for Sartarelli) that work their magic with the seafood of the Adriatic on a summer day. The zing and citrus nuances bring just about any fish back to life - no sauces needed here - just some grilled fish and lemon. A Rosso di Montalcino with some pici topped with wild boar ragu is also a nice, simple classic pair."
Were the students at Liberty University really forced at gunpoint to attend your announcement speech?
“No, it just seemed that way. I’ll tell you, the energy and the exhilaration there yesterday and we’re seeing on the trail takes your breath away.”
Well, congratulations again, and thank you for your time.
"It was my pleasure."
