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Five sparkling wines to heighten your Valentine's Day at home

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published Feb. 9, 2015

A champagne toast is an easy way to up the sophistication level during your night in. But you don't have to pay top-shelf prices to get the good times flowing. We got Mike Snowden, wine manager at Total Wine in Tampa, to dish on five sparkling wines that should help heighten the romance.

UNDER $20

If you're looking for an affordable champagne, Snowden says, go for the Spanish-made Cava. "Cava in general is just an awesome value," he said. It's made just like French champagne, except it doesn't cost Spain nearly as much to make it, so you get to pay less. Try the Marques de Monistrol. $14.99

For a bit more, there's the Louis Bouillot: Brut Rose, a creamy champagne with cherry and strawberry fruit notes. "You get these beautiful aromatic red fruits, but with a dry, dry finish," Snowden says. $18.99

UNDER $30

This one has the added wow factor of being a vintage: Louis Bouillot Perle Rare Brut Vintage, 2009. "If you want to get a vintage quality sparkling wine without a vintage champagne price, which is usually $50 minimum, get this one," Snowden says. The aged wine, which matures in oak barrels, is very dry and full bodied, with a touch of vanilla and toastiness. $24.99

For true champagnes, Snowden says, the minimum starting price is going to be around $30. For a nice, basic option, try the Pertois-Moriset Cuvee Selection. It's a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, with a lighter-bodied side and an apple citrus aroma. Snowden recommends it as a predinner aperitif. $29.99

UNDER $40

Snowden suggests the Mailly Brut Reserve Grand Cru for a really good-quality value champagne. Because of the type of grape used, Grand Cru varieties are one of the highest-quality sparkling wines. "When you buy Grand Cru, you're buying the best," Snowden says. The dry, refreshing wine has a toasty, bready aroma, a touch of citrus fruit and a touch of acidity. $39.99

Michelle Stark, Times food editor