There are few things more romantic than a graceful flute filled with capital-C Champagne, the most prestigious and contentiously guarded appellation in French winemaking. Since all that prestige typically costs major paper, looking to other regions of France, Italy and California for sparklers means you can capture the fizzy fun without sacrificing good taste this Valentine’s Day. Use the product codes and the PLCB product finder to find wine and spirits stores stocking our picks.
Zardetto Prosecco Brut
At just $9.99, this fresh, floral prosecco makes an amiable companion to spicy Indian and Thai or a fruit-based dessert. Prosecco is produced mainly in the Veneto region of Italy; adding peach puree yields a pretty Bellini cocktail. Code:?6871
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Rose
Rose petals and raspberries shine through this pink bubbly from the Piedmont region of Italy. Ideal for newbies and those who prefer a sweeter wine, $12.99 scores an ideal aperitif, or an elegant pairing for your chocolate dessert. Code:?5882
De Chanceny Brut Cremant De Loire NV
This Chairman’s Selection is a steal at $12.99, especially considering the tiny, tight bubbles (called mousse) and blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc grapes that give this dry sparkler structure and lasting fruit notes. Code:?13094
Chandon Blanc de Noirs
Domaine Chandon was the first French winemaking house to venture into California’s Napa Valley to grow the traditional grapes of Champagne. Blanc de Noirs, meaning “white of darks,” presses red-skinned grapes into pale salmon-colored wine with dark berry flavors ($18.99).
Code:?8100
Ho Ho Shu Hana Rose Sparkling Sake
Travel much farther east than France for this fizzy pink sake, brewed from rice and infused with rose petals and hibiscus. $15.99; serve chilled with sushi. Code:?10160
