If you’ve left it too late again to find a Valentine’s present, a clever choice of bubbles can come in very handy indeed. Luckily for you, we’ve done the research and present below 6 wine choices at different price points with just the right nugget of information that will make your Valentine feel like you’ve thought about it for longer than thirty seconds. (Tip: pick up a steak on the way home and you may be in for a particularly fun night.)
THE BIG GESTURE
Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Rosé 2006
A gorgeous, seriously complex, food friendly pink Champagne that’s drinking beautifully already. Every glass brings something new.
Nugget: It helps that it has arguably the most beautiful bottle in the business!
Dash to: Majestic & Ocado
The damage: £180-£185 a bottle. Go big or go home!
Amour de Deutz, Blanc de Blancs 2005
It can often hard to know when an expensive Champagne is also really good, but not here. Like elegant liquid gold with a thousand, intertwining flavours, this is a truly special bottle of bubbles made with 100% Chardonnay grapes exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards.
Nugget: In the courtyard of the family owned Deutz Champagne house, is a beautiful statue of cupid. This wine is named after the statue. Blanc de Blanc means 100% Chardonnay.
Dash to: Soho Wine Supply or Fortnum and Mason
The damage: £130 a bottle.
THE ENGLISH EDIT
Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé NV, Hampshire, England
If bubbles are not the main gift but you still want something delicious with a story, then try Hampshire’s finest pink from Hambledon. Made in the same ‘traditional method’ as Champagne with the same grapes, this is a particularly easy drinking, elegant choice, especially as an aperitif.
Nugget: England is tipped to be a world class producer of sparkling wine within the next ten years, though some say it’s already happened! Hambledon has been leading the way from its home in Hampshire since the very first vintage.
Dash to: Berry Bros. & Rudd
The damage: £36.50 a bottle
Wiston Estate Rosé Brut 2014
Wiston Estate in Sussex has been making big waves in the English wine industry thanks to its superstar winemaker, Dermot Sugrue. Its vintage wines are poised and complex, which makes them fantastic for ageing or for having with food.
Nugget: The distinctive labels are super special, based on the Wedgewood design. Now you know what to buy to go with it!
Dash to: Corney & Barrow
The damage: £35.95 a bottle
CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE
Bruno Paillard ‘Etui’ Rosé Première Cuvée MV
An incredibly pretty, aromatic Champagne that impressed us with its incredible freshness and verve without being too tart.
Nugget: Maison Bruno Paillard is famous for its rosé Champagnes made with Pinot Noir and dash of Chardonnay to add energy and body.
Dash to: Spirited Wines or The Whisky Exchange, London
The damage: £47-50 – £54.30
G. H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, Rosé Brut NV
There’s nothing mumsy about this Champagne at all! It bowled us over with its elegance. Delicate rose petal pink with a lovely balance of brioche and red apple skin. This would work nicely with or without food. Totally versatile.
Nugget: The iconic red ribbon (cordon rouge) dates back to 1876 when Georges hermann Mumm paid hommage to those brave clients who had earned such red sashes, receiving the highest of French honours: the Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint Louis and the Grand Cordon de la Légion d’Honneur.
Dash to: Ocado or Waitrosecellar
The damage: £45 a bottle
Still not enough to impress? Taste the wines above on teh Eurostar whilst on your way to a romantic weekend in Champagne.