With Valentine’s Day being the most romantic of holidays and Champagne being the most romantic of beverages, what better way to celebrate than by combining the two?

 

One bubbly you’ll want to consider sipping with your sweetie is Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Brut N/V Champagne, from Reims, France.

 

Veuve Clicquot has been the number one selling Champagne among the finest restaurants in America for 10 years in a row, according to an annual Wine & Spirits poll. It offers aromas of apple, citrus and caramel on the nose, which are followed by a dry, full burst of flavor onto the palate and finished with an elegance and complexity that one would expect from such fine French Champagnes.

 

If dryer Champagne isn’t necessarily for your palate, you may prefer the Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial, Demi Sec N/V Champagne, from Epernay, France. Moet & Chandon was founded in 1743 and has grown throughout the centuries to become the largest and most successful Champagne house in the world.

 

Nectar Imperial offers wonderful aromas of dried fruits, barley sugar and ripe wheat, followed by sensations of tropical fruit, honey and peach on the palate; then finishes slightly sweet while lingering in the mouth.

 

But if you desire to really impress your Valentine, don’t be shy. Order a bottle of the world’s most recognized and iconic Champagne brand, Dom Perignon, Brut 1999, from Epernay, France.

 

Full of life, the Dom Perignon 1999 has a fresh nose that dances through a spiral of aromas that include dried flowers, pineapple, coconut and cinnamon. These aromas are followed by a rich fullness in the mouth and flavors of spice, earth, smokiness and aniseed. The finish is long and complex with lingering flavors of toast, brioche and warm baked bread.

 

Champagne is a great choice for any occasion, but especially on Valentines. And with any one of these selections, you’ll be sure to exhibit that your great taste extends beyond who you chose to be yours.

 

Until next time … I love to hear you wine,

 

About the Author:

Lee Fuettere is the sommelier/beverage director for downtown Tampa’s Malio’s Prime (400 N. Ashley Dr.) and a certified member of the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is recognized as an expert in his field, having presided over numerous award-winning wine lists during his 10 years of serving the Tampa Bay area. To contact Lee, call (813) 223-7746 or visit www.Malios.com.