Valentine’s Day Champagne Choices
Special Day with a Special Person
Most people either love or hate Valentine’s Day. The lovers say, “Qui, qui. Bring It On!” while the haters say, “It’s nothing but a retailer’s scheme to have you part with your hard-earned money.” Love or hate, it is a perfect excuse (if you need one) to savor a wonderful bottle of champagne with someone special to you.
Most Americans only drink champagne on four occasions-Christmas, New Year’s Eve, weddings and Valentine’s Day. So, if you’re in this crowd it’s time for a toast. It doesn’t matter if you sip a glass with your significant other or with a close friend. Nothing says, “Special” like a bottle of bubbly.
So if you’re looking for great champagne to share, I’ve done a bit of the legwork for you. These are my “can’t-miss” selections. And if you plan to “pop the question”, you should kick it up a notch by selecting a vintage bottle.
NV Billecart Salmon Brut Rose, Champagne $40
Immediately, you’re hit with that classic brioche and vanilla on the nose. Then, it brings in fresh-picked orchard apples and pears.
Perrier-Jouët NV Grand Brut, Champagne $45
This starts with a floral nose and tastes of juicy apricot, white peach and Washington state cherry. Wonderful minerality.
2007 Louis Roederer Rosé Brut, Champagne $70
You’ll think I’st summer when you open the bottle. It’s filled with a flower blossom nose. Summery white peaches fill your mouth, followed by orange marmalade. It has a refreshing, lemon-lime finish that makes it ideal for the dinner table.
Pol Roger 1999 Extra Cuvee de Reserve Vintage Brut, Champagne $75
The beautiful ruby color is your hint of the strawberry flavor that dances on your tongue. This is a rich wine that will stand up to a dinner that includes a cheese course, beef entré and dessert.
Single or coupled, remember these song lyrics, “Love the one you’re with.”
Tags: Champagne, Holiday Wines