As if you need another reminder, Valentine’s Day is this Friday, February 14. If you are like most people I know, choosing wine and, in particular, the bubbly sort can be challenging – especially since the occasion presents some pressure as this particular one is all about love, candy, roses, and more. I have received multiple phone calls from friends in wine shops asking for recommendations when they have no idea what to purchase and I’m expecting more phone calls this week if they don’t read this post!
As a side note, NV means non-vintage and Brut indicates that the wine is dry with no more than 12 grams residual sugar per litre.
You’re All Alone on February 14 – So what’s the big deal? Turn on the History Channel or a good foreign film on Netflix and pop some popcorn which pairs splendidly with a nice bottle of bubbles. On this night you deserve something wonderful – how about NV Brut, Veuve Ambal, Cremant de Bourgogne from France for $16.95? This is a newcomer to the bubbles market and is a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay blend with plenty of floral and raspberries on the nose. Warning: you might not be alone once you let your friends know what you’re drinking!
The Big Spender Who Loves Being the Center of Attention – Some people may think you’re a pompous you-know-what but let’s face it, they love being in your aura when you’re buying. Your Valentine’s Day companion is most likely expecting an expensive bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne…so don’t disappoint. Enough said.
Party Time! – Wheee! It’s a party and everyone has to dress in red or pink and bring a bottle of bubbles. Being the savvy wine lover you are, you need to choose 2012 Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui sent to me as a sample. From Italy’s Brachetto grape grown in the Southern Piedmont region, this incredibly aromatic sparkling wine bursts with roses and raspberries and is a great value at $20. And it’s red, too! Have fun!
First Date – Perhaps you’re nervous…or not! This first date on Valentine’s Day could be a disaster but don’t let your sparkling wine choice be. Make sure you either bring or have chilling in an ice bucket a bottle of one of my favorites, Anna de Codorniu Brut NV Rose sent to me as a sample. The light pink bottle on the outside holds a lovely rosé of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes for only $15. From Spain, the dancing bubbles (really!) and aromas of strawberries, cherries, and a bit of apple are elegant and light – just how you should keep that first date!
The Frugal Wine Lover with Good Taste – Ahhh, you’ve been reading my wine blog! Thanks so much! There are so many delicious wines which don’t have to break the bank (I’ve mentioned several already in this post!). So what should you share with your special someone this Valentine’s Day? How about NV Brut Graham Beck from Stellenbosch, South Africa? Aromas and tastes of white fruit with minerality and yeasty notes are enticing. Cost is around $15 which may be above your price range, but this is a special occasion, isn’t it? Even Michelle Obama chose these bubbles for her husband’s inauguration…
Almost Ready to Break Up, But Let’s Get Through One More Holiday – Let’s be honest…if you really wanted to break up, you would have done it before Valentine’s Day. That stated, you need to have a small gift and a nice bottle of bubbles along with a good attitude before the night begins. Being the optimist, I predict the evening will go extremely well if you have a bottle of NV Brut Schramsberg “Mirabelle” from California for $25. Consisting of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, its tropical fruit, caramel like, and bready aromas and tastes with a lovely finish will pair beautifully with a plate of oysters – you may not break up after all!
New Relationship and It’s HOT! – Frankly, you could bring a box of wine and I doubt either of you would care, but it would be nice to do something really special. A sparkling that is becoming just as hot as your relationship is Lambrusco. You’ll want to choose the 2011 Lambrusco, Ca Montanari, “Amabile” from Emilia Romagna, Italy for $17.95 to start (or end) the evening. With its herb and spice notes coupled with tastes of black cherry, licorice, and more along with a zippy finish, everyone will be more than satisfied if you know what I mean…
Happily Married for a REALLY Long Time – Hey, congratulations! I’m sure people are in awe of your happiness, but are you in a ho-hum stage? Even if you aren’t, you’ll want something to really jump start Valentine’s Day this year. I can’t think of a better sparkler to do this than NV Brut Reserve Champagne Cheurlin-Panfilo le Medaillon for $110.95. Winner of a gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2013, I loved the blend of 80% Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Petit Meunier. This was a rich champagne which will solidify your relationship for even more years to come. But don’t forget to give your sweetheart a little bling – even the wine bottle comes with a silver plated necklace!
Cheers to another sparkling Valentine’s Day! ~ Cindy
