It’s the early hours of New Year’s Eve and what do I have on my mind? The fact I cannot, yet, download photos to my blog. My desktop computer went south and Dave bought me a new one but all the programs need to be transferred, including Picasa, my photo program; hopefully, soon.
Hardly ever do I stay up to see the New Year in; the dogs like to go to bed early and as they are elderly now, our lives revolve around their needs. However, in early evening, Dave and I will drink a bottle of St. Hilaire Brut sparkling wine also known as Blanquette de Limoux. At the time of former President’s Thomas Jefferson‘s death, his wine celler was about ten percent Blanquette de Limoux and the only sparkling wine kept on hand.
In the mid-1500’s, the Benedictine Monks, in the southern foothills of the Limoux region of France and of the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, made sparking wine more than one hundred years before they made champagne. Dom Perignon is reported to have said, upon tasting champagne…or was it sparkling wine…for the first time, “I think I am tasting the stars.”
I think champagne and sparkling wine are both a bit like “tasting the stars”; the stuff dances on the tongue, teases the nose, pleases the eye and, if drunk judiciously, doesn’t give a big head. We purchase St. Hilaire at a delightful wine shop in Blacksburg, VA and it costs, around, $12 a bottle. Certainly affordable even for the occasional “it’s Tuesday and aren’t we glad we’re alive” days and absolutely affordable for New Year’s Eve and other celebrations.
Sheesh. I think I need a life.
Blessings ~ photos ~ new computer ~ the promise of the coming year ~ champagne ~ sparking wine ~
Sandra Bennett says
Hi Jen, you'll be glad you did, it's wonderful!
JStantonChandler says
Hello! I took your advice and read this article about the interesting history of St. Hilaire. I'm going to go on a hunt this weekend and see if I can find some. Sounds divine!
Thanks for sharing!
~Jen
Dawn says
It’s 2:51AM on a rainy, windy night here in Nova Scotia! 🙂
Sandra Bennett says
Hi Grace – yes, it is Vintage Wine and they are delightful folks! Always helpful, in good moods and they have just finished moving into larger quarters, next door. Dave was by there today and bought some green wine from Portugal. That’s some nice stuff…so named because it’s made from green grapes and meant to be drunk young. One brand even has a bit of fizz, just like sparkling wine.
And a Happy 2009 to you, Noble Pig; make it the best ever.
noble pig says
You are funny…you have a great life! Happy 2009 to you!
Grace says
did you get your wine at the vintage cellar? just curious–that place was one of the high points of my virginia tech experience. 🙂
great blog, sandra–i can tell i’ll be a regular visitor!
and happy new year!
Sandra Bennett says
O how funny! I’ve read if all the women awake at 3:00 a.m. would band together, we’d rule the world. Wonder how many other women were blogging this morning at that time?
KathyB. says
I love your last line, ” Sheesh. I think I need a life.” Made me laugh. Here I am blogging at 3:00 a.m. Hubby has a big event planned here tonight and I’ve just finished up making some lefse, feeding puppies and trying to ignore the windstorm outside. Which is why I can’t sleep! Happy New Year!We’ll be tasting special wines and playing games with friends and family tonight, I’ll sleep the next day.