So one thing that had to happen in order for me to truly begin my education (read: drink the wine), was to no longer be pregnant. I’m happy to report that mission has been accomplished. Evan Michael was born on Monday, July 5th at 9:59am weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs!


Giving birth is certainly a reason to celebrate, and it seems that much to the consternation of the French, we Americans turn to Champagne only on such occasions. Myles and I opted not to order the “champagne” on the Birthday Dinner menu we were offered the night before leaving the hospital (after being served margarine, packets of creamy Italian dressing and “breakfast syrup” for my pancakes with my hospital meals, we didn’t trust their taste). Instead we waited until Thursday to open the bottle of Champagne I had picked up in late June in anticipation of this exact occasion.

I chose Mumm "Cordon Rouge" Brut Champagne from K&L for $26.99. Its in my preferred price range and the notes on their website described it as being rated 98% on the eschelle de cru, “higher than Cristal”. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but it sounded good! (By the way, the eschelle de cru is the classification system of vineyards in Champagne, with those between 90 & 99% being the highest rated villages and those rated 100% being the grand crus. So I was right.)

It was quite good! Light, acidic and a little yeasty. Made from 60% pinot noir, 30% chardonnay and 10% meunier, it was the typical light gold color with teeny little bubbles. The perfect little glass of bubbly to celebrate to arrival of my new little boy. Cheers!