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3 Wines for V-Day

Seduce your valentine’s palate this season with three sparkling wine and sweet pairing sensations

by Lindsay Pomeroy

1

At the top of the list is Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui. This northwestern Italian sparkler is absolutely divine when pairing with sweets. You can pair it with any sort of fruit tart (bonus points if it’s homemade). Or match it with a box of chocolate truffles. This ruby-colored bubbly has a soft, creamy mousse; flavors of strawberries, cherries, and roses; low alcohol (so you can sip it all night); and just a hint of sweetness. $22, thewineconnection.com

2

For the more traditional lover, seek out Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Rosé Champagne NV. Although it costs more than the Brachetto, this is the Cadillac of the Champagne rosés. This bone-dry Champagne has very fine persistent bubbles and flavors of sour cherries, raspberries, pie crust, and almonds. And it’s pink! Pair this beauty with a 50 to 60 percent dark chocolate-almond bar. It will knock her stilettos off. $70, sandiegowine.net

3

For adventurous types who prefer red wines to bubbles, go with The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz from Australia. A dry Shiraz made sparkling with flavors and textures from both the Shiraz grape and the bubbles, it’s a good compromise if you want bubbles and red wine in one. It is bold, not shy, and features black fruits, Graham cracker-crust notes, and a full body. Try it with dark chocolate or a box of truffles. This pairing is not for the faint-hearted. $20, bevmo.com