Pioneering Santa Maria Valley vintner Jim Clendenen’s Au Bon Climat wine was poured for international dignitaries this week in Washington, D.C., where American President Barack Obama hosted French President Francois Hollande.
The two and other guests at Tuesday’s state luncheon enjoyed Clendenen’s 2009 “La Bauge Au-dessus” pinot noir and his 2010 “Hildegard,” a white blend of pinot gris, pinot blanc, and aligoté, alongside dishes prepared by renowned chef John Besh.
“French wine and culture have played a huge role in the development of my company Au Bon Climat,” said Clendenen in a press release. “I am so proud that, after a 32-year work-in-progress, my wine is being shared with the President of France by the Obama administration. It is an honor to be chosen. “