It’s a big day, finally. A day I pray will open with hope, and end with complete safety for everyone in our country.

As we know as humans, change is inevitable. As we know as Americans, we are blessed to play a part in the changes that occur in our country, and have the freedom to respect and accept these changes.

Today I raise a glass to our new 46th President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and his rockstar Vice President, Kamala Harris. Bravo on winning a completely fair election. We toast you with a wine crafted in honor of one of our founding fathers, from a country that was vital in helping those fore-fathers in our fight for freedom and liberty, France.

It is said that our 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson only drank sparkling wine from Limoux. Smart guy, as Limoux, in the far south of France within the Languedoc-Roussillon region, is thought to be the actual birth of traditional method sparkling wine (not Champagne.)

Sparkling wine was first produced in Limoux by the Benedictine monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531, (with locals telling the story that Dom Perignon tasted the sparkling wine here and took it back to Champagne.) In the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, with high elevations and brisk winds keeping grapes cool, freshness is locked into growing fruit, ideal for quality sparkling wine.

Produced biodynamically, as are all of Bertrand’s wines, Gerard Bertrand “Thomas Jefferson” Brut Rose ($20) is hand-harvested when the fruit has just reached ripeness, ensuring acidity and freshness remain present to create the vibrancy needed for quality sparkling wine. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc, the complex, nicely structured bubble layers ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, honeysuckle, and apricot, finishing with creamy custard and brioche notes. Easy and balanced, perfect on its own, with creamy cheese or pate, or with spicy Thai or Indian food. #Cheers