Montaudon Brut Grande Rosé Champagne
Reims, France
$37-$40 Retail
Wine lovers cannot find a better choice for Valentine's Day celebrations than this marvelous, value-priced, nonvintage rosé Champagne. Recognized for its high quality, Montaudon is still completely owned by the founding family after more than 115 years. Elegant yet assertive, the wine explodes in the glass with a burst of fine, misty bubbles carrying aromas of red currants and berries with a pleasing minerality. Medium-bodied, the wine shows distinctive tart strawberry flavors and more fresh berry fruit on the palate with a crisp acidity and lovely, lingering finish. Drink it now or over the next several years. Enjoy it as an aperitif or with everything from caviar to steak to dessert.
Where to buy it: The Wine Seller, W.I.N.O., Swirl, Cork & Bottle and Fresh Market in Mandeville.
Where to drink it: Wolfe's in the Warehouse and the Delachaise. (Listings current at press time.)