When Congress Ordered 1,200 Bottles of Wine: A Look Back at Presidential Excess

Every U.S. president has had their drink of choice to unwind after a long day, with favorites ranging from George Washington’s port to Theodore Roosevelt’s mint julep. One notable example is James Monroe, the fifth president, who had a particular fondness for French wines. During his presidency, Congress was billed for 1,200 bottles of wine, highlighting his extravagant taste.

Monroe, who previously served as the Minister to France, cultivated a love for its wines, especially Burgundy reds and champagne. His attempt to furnish the White House with these coveted bottles raised eyebrows, as the extravagant purchase was charged to Congress under the category of furniture expenses. While some might argue that stocking a wine cellar could be construed as a form of furniture, it’s evident that this quantity was intended for consumption.

This seemingly excessive shipment likely aimed to accommodate numerous guests, given the bustling social calendar at the White House. In a letter to Monroe after his inauguration, Thomas Jefferson advised having one bottle for every 3.5 guests, suggesting that the 1,200 bottles would serve a crowd of around 4,200, which aligns with the numerous events hosted.

Details on James Monroe’s Preferred Wines

Monroe’s choice of wines primarily included Burgundy, produced from the grape varietals Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for whites. The champagne he enjoyed would have been made from grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier.

During Monroe’s presidency (1817–1825), Burgundy wines were highly esteemed. The 19th century marked a golden age for these wines, with exceptional vintages available. Notably, the year 1811 produced a highly regarded Burgundy dubbed "comet wine," linked to a visible comet that summer.

Champagne also experienced notable advancements in production during this century. Innovations improved the effervescence and overall quality of the sparkling wine, with famous houses like Moët & Chandon emerging. Given Monroe’s impeccable taste, it is no surprise that he sought to bring these distinguished wines into the White House.

For those interested in exploring more about presidential tastes and history, a deeper dive into the details of the wines enjoyed by James Monroe can be enlightening.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!