The traditional “toasting” is a very popular costume among many cultures all across the world. An activity we find ourselves doing many times especially during the holiday season, but also at any given special opportunity. But where and when does it originate exactly, and why do we keep doing it?

 

Every toast usually follows this common pattern: first is the verbal act, in which one of the participants indicates the reason for the toast, raising their drink to the air. It can range from a simple “hello” to a word of thanks, a celebration and a wish for someone or something. 

 

It may be also accompanied by an anecdote or two. Then, all of those who are present raise their glasses in the air, which may be accompanied by recurrent, common phrases and idioms, and clink them with the other people no one excluded. According to some, glasses that aren’t filled with alcoholic drinks, or aren’t made of glass, should never touch during the toast! 

 

Each toast marks a moment worth remembering. Some people find the right words to say on any occasion, while others rely on bold interpretations, hoping to elicit a smile. 

 

Some are concise and to the point, while others are definitely too long-winded and awkward. Ultimately, the meaning remains the same: celebrating friendship, love and admiration with one of the iconic gestures of conviviality, glass against glass. Depending on the culture, there are also many other types of toasts besides the conventional one, such as throwing glasses or breaking containers against a surface.

 

Clinking glasses when drinking wine has a pretty colorful history. One story takes us back to the 16th century, right after Charles V’s army conquered Rome. The soldiers toasted their win by raising their glasses and shouting, “bring dir’s,” basically celebrating their victory with the king. But that’s not the only origin story floating around. There’s another legend from ancient Greece, around the 6th century BC. 

 

Back then, poisoning was a popular way to get rid of enemies. Therefore, when wine was served at a banquet, the host would clink his glass with those of his guests so that the liquid would splash and mix together. The purpose was to show that the drink was not poisoned.

 

A long time ago, at the times of the first civilizations, people would pour out a bit of their drink for the gods or spirits, hoping for luck or protection. Eventually, this simple act turned into something more familiar: raising a glass to someone or something. 

 

By the Middle Ages, all these traditions mixed together and toasting really settled into its own. People started saying things like “to your health,” and all sorts of rituals and customs popped up around it. In the courts of Europe, toasting even turned into a formal part of etiquette. That’s where most of our modern toasting habits come from.

 

Each toast deserves a special occasion, for sure, but also a special bottle! Here at Carpineto, as our kind readers will surely know, we have much to choose from, and we only offer the premium choices for our dear customers, perfectly able to satisfy the most specific and demanding requests.. Today, we want to suggest a very unique wine: Chianti Classico Riserva! 

 

This Chianti Classico comes straight from the heart of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. Picture rolling hills dotted with olive trees and cypresses, and you’ve got the right setting. The grapes, mostly Sangiovese, with some Canaiolo and a handful of other classic Chianti reds, are the real stars here.

Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 also ranked 25th in Wine Spectator's TOP 100 2025. 

Winemaking isn’t rushed. The juice spends a bit of time with the skins, soaking up color and flavor, all while the temperature stays just right. Then, the wine rests for at least a year in a mix of Slavonian and French oak barrels. Before it’s bottled, it takes a quick trip back to steel tanks and finally settles down to mature in bottles in the winery’s cool, steady cellar. Pour a glass and you’ll see a deep ruby red with flashes of garnet. 

 

To the nose there’s elegance, a little vanilla, a burst of raspberry. The first sip is rich and smooth, and the flavor lingers. For the best experience, serve it at 64–68°F and, if you can, let it open up in a decanter.

 

Chianti Classico Riserva, with its austere and festive spirit, will become the star of an “unconventional” but highly sought-after toast. So why not try it during the next Christmas holidays? From all of Carpineto, we wish you a very special Christmas with your loved ones, always toasting with a good Carpineto wine!