Wine Recommendations: Valentine's Day 2024

​Are you keen to live a great wine life? If so, read on. In my experience, some of the most memorable moments come from the spontaneous and imperfect happenings. While I can't accept imperfect bubbles, I have fun ideas to spark more pleasure. On February 14th, why not shuck Effingham oysters or cook and eat prawns in their shells, together with your love. Turn meal prep into a Valentine's Day feast that is tasty, funny and collaborative. If you look after the entrée, I've got you covered with pink champagne recommendations.  

Think Pink for a Perfect Valentine's Day Bubble

Love doesn't just happen on February 14th. It's everyday in everyway. But if you miss the opportunity to shower your loved one with love, you might end up getting the cold shoulder or worse, ghosted. ​It won't take but a few minutes and a little effort to make your lover feel special and isn't that the key to a happy life? If you are looking for the perfect sip to celebrate your love, check out these beauties. Paired with a few oysters on the half shell and boom - perfection. ​My advice, don't skip over or skimp on Valentine's Day. ​

Here are three recommendations for bubbly fun. While some consider sparkling rosé to be the "less than" - it really has a recent and vibrant presence of its own. Brut means "dry" and "rosé"​ refers to the color. In Champagne, the sparkling wine that originates here is typically blended from red grapes - Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and white - Chardonnay. Brut rosé is made in the traditional champagne method, although may spend a shorter time on its lees and may be made from wines that were not chosen for other styles like Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir or Vintage champagne. Rosé is beautiful in the glass, the aromas and flavours lean towards enticing fresh red berry and with satisfyingly dry, crisp and delightful balance and finish. Traditional method is used in the making of classic labels like Crémant de Bourgogne (Jura, Alsace, Bordeaux), Cava from Spain, Franciacorta from Italy and quality regions in the new world like Tasmania, South Africa, California and right here at home in the Okanagan Valley. You can find more information on traditional method sparkling wine at this link. 

Top 3 Pink Bubbles for Valentine's Day

Here are 3 recommendations that are available in the local Vancouver market. The links are active and will take you to the store where the bottle is available. ​

Champagne Henriot - Brut Rosé Champagne - $101

Champagne Henriot is one of the oldest Champagne houses in the region and somewhat under the radar. When only the best will do, chill this down and pop the cork. In the glass, it has a delicate pink hue with streaming fine beads that are persistent. The aromas and flavours speak to high quality champagne, dry, crisp, and elegant. The nose wafts  raspberry and the palate is apple, pear and melon. It's a classic and the value can't be matched.  

Cave de Lugny - Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé $30

This is a top quality traditional method sparkling wine made in the Maconnais region of Burgundy by established producer Caves de Lugny. The label is beautiful. Every sip offers a pretty pink hue in the glass, followed by lovely aromas and flavours of fresh red berries with subtle hints of anise. All the pleasure at a great price.

Blue Mountain - R.D. Brut Rose 2019 - $40

This is arguably the producer to beat in the Okanagan Valley for traditional method sparkling wine. Perched on the south facing slope, Blue Mountain is the Mavety family run vineyard and estate that focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay  and traditional method sparkling wine. This is R.D. (which means recently disgorged) 2019 vintage rosé that spent 30 months resting in the cellar and after disgorgement, another 6 - 9 months in the bottle before it arrives in your glass. It has a beautiful, delicate pink hue in the glass, followed by fresh, dry aromas and flavours of red field berries with mouth filling soft bubbles, finishing long and elegant. It's a fantastic choice. Buy local and support BC's wine industry.

Champagne Tasting at Dirty Apron hosted by yours truly Good Wine Gal.

Conclusion

Love can be celebrated year around but why not make Valentine's Day special. Whether it's oysters on the half shell or peel and eat prawns, nothing says I love you like a chilled bottle of pink bubbles with a thoughtful pairing. I hope you are inspired. If you missed "Good Wine Gal's Guide to Sparkling Wine" here is the link.

​Thanks for reading. Enjoy your wine life and leave your comments below.