What is the toast?
There is no self-respecting celebration in which we do not raise our wine glasses to toast. Do you know the history behind this popular gesture?
According to the Royal Spanish Academy of the language, the origin of the term brindis comes from the German “bring dir’s” (I offer it to you), and it is considered to be the action of toasting with wine or liquor, or the words that are said when toasting.
The act of toasting is divided into three parts.
The first of these is the verbal act, in which one of the participants indicates a reason for the toast. This is usually the host, and he or she stands up to make the toast. It can range from a simple “hello” to a word of thanks. It may be accompanied by an anecdote.
Next, those present raise their glasses in the air, which may be accompanied by words of approval for the toast itself, and clink them with the other people within reach.
Finally, the third act, where the wish is confirmed collectively with a drink, which can be a small sip or a large gulp that ends with the contents of the container.
Although the norm is to toast with the right hand, others point out that it should be done with the left, as it is the hand of the heart. On the other hand, according to the protocol, it is not advisable to toast with an empty glass, because it is a sign of displeasure, or with water, which can be interpreted as a snub. In addition, depending on the culture, there are other types of toasts other than the conventional one, such as throwing the glasses or smashing the containers against a surface.
History and origin of the toast
The tradition of clinking glasses, particularly when drinking wine, dates back to the 16th century, when Charles V’s army celebrated his victory after victoriously taking Rome. The army would raise their glasses shouting ‘bring dir’s’, as the soldiers would bestow victory on the monarch.
According to another widespread legend, this ritual originated in ancient Greece in the 6th century B.C. At that time of conquest and kingdoms, one of the most common and effective ways to assassinate a person was to poison them.
Therefore, when wine was served at a banquet, the host of the banquet would clink his glass with those of his guests so that the liquid would splash and mix with each other. The aim was to show that the drink was not poisoned.
For the moment, we are going to toast with our Rioja Reserva Murillo Viteri wine to life and to continue making such good wines, cheers!
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