With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, getting it “right” is top of mind for many. A box of chocolates would be nice, though flowers might be better. As the big day draws near and you are overtaken by a sense of doom over doing the right thing, I have a bit of advice. Don’t panic. There is one gift that is sure to win the day: a bottle of nice bubbly!
There is an ocean of fine sparkling wine to choose from, but I have narrowed it down to five favorites over a range of prices.
Prosecco, for example, is the fastest growing segment of the sparkling wine market. This frothy bubbly from northern Italy is a delicious celebration in a glass and even the best Proseccos are relatively inexpensive. The Prosecco region has upped its game in recent years as it has shifted more production to the drier “brut” style. Caposaldo ($15.99) is currently on a roll and recently earned a platinum award and Best Prosecco title at the Winemaker Challenge in San Diego.
California’s Gloria Ferrer is another sparkling wine producer on something of a roll. At the same Winemaker Challenge Gloria Ferrer entered four bubblies and took gold of better with each one. Most impressive was it’s Sonoma Brut ($22) that earned a platinum medal. This is an elegant yet inexpensive bubbly that delivers creaminess, exceptional finesse and impressive complexity, with a subtle touch of brioche on the finish.
Another California producer, Domaine Carnerous by Taittinger, offers one of the most consistently satisfying rose sparklers this side of Champagne, the delicious and affordable Cuvee de la Pompadour Brut Rose ($37). With a gorgeous mousse and aromas of red berries, this is a stylish brut rose that never disappoints.
Champagne, of course, is the epitome of all sparkling wines and the house of Bruno Paillard is the epitome of elegance in Champagne. Bruno’s non-vintage Rose Primiere Cuvee ($59) is a stunning rose Champagne, primarily pinot noir based with a splash of chardonnay. Elegant, but with remarkable power and depth, it is an exquisite option for dinner, pairing beautifully with roasted game birds or grilled salmon. The price, compared to other Champagne of comparable quality, is as stunning as the wine.
It’s only a small step up to vintage Champagne at reasonable price if you go for the readily available Moet & Chandon 2009 Grand Vintage Brut ($65). Moet’s 2009 at ten years of age shows uncommon freshness and richness, with notes of brioche and baked apple, a hint of citrus and outstanding length, with an exquisite finish. You won’t find a better deal in vintage champagne anywhere.8