a new year's toast

Naturally, I’ve been abstaining from alcohol. While spending hours at our bar, with friends, on New Year’s Eve, even this mum-to-be needed something bubbly with which to toast the new year. Luckily, The Bartender anticipated this craving (he’s getting good at fulfilling these pregnancy cravings). While I poured Champagne for the bar’s revelers, he instructed that my bottle was in the cooler. Bottom shelf. On the left. Fre Brut.

I’d tasted a white from this producer already and was very curious how the sparkling beverage would taste.

I popped the cork before midnight, so I could pop the cork on a real bottle for The Bartender when the years exchanged positions. Then, I swigged a taste directly from the bottle of Fre Brut because, well, I figured the patrons needed the glasses more than I did, and if I was drinking this sparkler, the least I could do is feel a little scandalous by swigging outta the bottle.

There are enough bubbles to tickle your throat. Crisp bites of green apple and juicy peach entice further sipping. I must have looked like I was enjoying myself. Soon others were prompted by curiousity for their own swigs. Each time, a satisfied yet surprised glance towards the label followed. I must admit, for a moment or two, I fooled myself into thinking it was the real thing. And, that feeling was encouraged further when my friend Ry, thinking I was sipping from one of the other bottles, grabbed it from in front of me with the “what are you doing?” look. 

Fre fooled him. That’s good enough for me.

Happy 2012 to all of you. Wishing you a fulfilling and adventurous new year.

Cheers!