Drink of the week: Inauguration wine ideas

 Drink of the week

No word yet on which wines will be served at the presidential inauguration dinner next week, but let’s hope President-elect Obama’s menu-makers avoid the cliche of serving the same old California stuff.

If I were doing the list — and I’d be happy to help out — they’d serve regional wine. And why not? Obama is from Illinois, which has a decent little wine industry, and he’s succeeding George W. Bush, who comes from a state that can boast even more than that. And we can always go to New Mexico for the sparkling wine.

So how about Lynfred Winery Chambourcin 2006, a plummy red from Illinois; Texas’ Becker Vineyards Viognier 2007, an excellent example of what Texas winemakers can do with viognier; and Gruet Rose NV, with strawberry and lots of bubbles?

Locally, the Becker, $15, is available at Central Market Southlake, selected Kings and selected Krogers; the Gruet, $14, is widely available; and the Lynfred, $20, can be ordered from the winery at www.lynfredwinery.com or 888-298-9463.