Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Champagne toast to new beginnings!


What's the right pour for a special toast? I asked myself this as I contemplated an upcoming gathering celebrating my big new job in corporate marketing. There's one hard and fast rule for toasting life's major wins - it must have bubbles! 

When making toasts, I have clinked glasses with Spanish Cava, French Cremant, Italian Prosecco, Lambrusco, and Franciacorte, American sparkling wine, South African Cap Classique, and more. They all have a special place in my heart. 

There's nothing like a Champagne toast

As I get older, I understand in a deeper way that we need to make time to celebrate our big wins with the people who love us and cheer us on.  And on BIG occasions, I always return to the classic: Champagne toasts. 

Serious achievements deserve serious wine

While I don't have the means to pour "the real stuff" often, for me, splurging on Champagne gives more gravitas to life's major moments. Champagne production is a time-consuming and complex process including riddling bottles, disgorging, adding the dosage, secondary fermentation, and blending different years to create a cuvee. For serious achievements, a serious wine is in order.  

Now, where to snag the special bottle? Having recently relocated to Maplewood, New Jersey, I am spoiled for choice when it comes to wine shopping. Just up the street is Lum's Cellars, and a short drive away is the famous Wine Library. I'm fairly close to one of my former go-to wine chains - Total Wine. I'll figure out the where and which of my bottle later.

But for now, I'm anticipating the moment I pop the cork with family and mark a new beginning in my life. Cheers!