Valentines Day is upon us and I have suggestions for the beverage that is truly synonymous with love. Champagne. Whether it’s truly champagne, or sparkling wine, there’s nothing more romantic than a glass of bubbles.With that in mind, I present the WINEormous Valentines Day guide to sparkling wines.
From left to right in the lineup pictured, there’s the 2016 Moscato d’Asti from Luca Bosio Vineyards. At a low 5.5% alcohol, this 100% Moscato Bianco sparkling is straw-yellow in color with a complex floral nose accompanied by ripe fruits. Pair it with fruits or aged cheese. It sells for $17.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
The non-vintage Toso Brut hails from Argentina and is 100% Chardonnay. Bright and clear with a touch of pale yellow, it has a toasty yeasty nose and is easy on the palate. At $12.99 a bottle, it’s a great value that will be appreciated by any lover of sparkling wines.
Vino dei Fratelli produces the 2016 Prosecco fermented with 100% Glera grapes. Start yellow with green highlights, I picked up flowers and golden apples on the nose. At $17.99 a bottle, serve it with appetizers, fish or any delicate main course.
The non-vintage Cremant d’Alsace Rosé from Gustave Lorentz is an Alsatian bubbly produced 100% from Pinot Noir grapes. With just the slightest hint of pink, it’s a refined aperitif ideal with hot or cold seafood appetizers as well as a wide variety of lighter main courses. It retails for $29.99.
The 2015 Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé hails from the western cape of South Africa. This pink bubbly features lively effervescence and offers red berries on the nose. 63% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinotage and 2% Pinot Meunier at just 12.1 % alcohol, it sells for $24.99.
For something truly dramatic and unique, try the 2016 Paringa Sparkling Shiraz from South Australia. A deep mauve, it has an earthy nose of leather, prunes and dates. On the palate expect to find red berries, plums and chocolate. With just the slightest hint of sweetness, it’s yours for $17.99.
Last but certainly not least I offer you Moët & Chandon NV Brut Imperial Rosé. Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, this exquisite Champagne bursts with wild strawberries on the nose and never disappoints. Featuring the Love Unconventional design, it’s a timeless classic at $49.99.
Salut! Wishing you a Valentines Day filled with bubbles and love.
Tom Plant launched WINEormous, a food, wine and travel blog in 2009 and is a long-time member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. Based in Temecula, California, he offers intimate winery tours for no more than seven people. Tour details and pricing are available at www.temecula-tours.com. Call now to book your Temecula Winery Tour at (951) 907-9701! Ask about special discounts.