While high-pressure ad tactics this week might have you thinking your relationship will be on the rocks without a candle-lit restaurant reservation or a dazzling declaration of adoration worthy of a Hallmark movie, none of that’s true. A statement of love on Valentine’s Day gets no better—or simpler—than a terrific bottle of sparkling wine. We’ve collected our latest favorites here, heavy on rosé (because, you know…Valentine’s Day), so you can pull off a last-minute coup de maître. Any of them would say all that needs to be said. Well, you might consider adding the best potato chips you can find, and some caviar to spoon on top…maybe a little crème fraîche…we’ll stop now.
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Krug Rosé 23éme Edition
Image Credit: Studio 106 This pretty and complex Champagne is an unusual one—it’s a blend of 60 wines from 10 different vintages between the 2000 and 2011, landing on a mix of 45 percent Chardonnay, 29 percent Pinot Noir and 26 percent Pinot Meunier. And more than half of the wines included are from Krug’s reserve stash. It has that signature Krug light but yeasty, honeyed brioche notes on the nose and palate, but there’s a bright tang of strawberry and spicy black pepper that takes this bottle to the next level. Layers of flavors continue to unfold in the glass. $300
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Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte 2008 Palmes d’Or Brut
Image Credit: Courtesy of Nicolas Feuillatte This tête de cuvée from Nicolas Feuillatte is the house’s first vintage since 2006. Striking a balanced moment between dried fruits—a confection-like character—and fresh flavors of apple, grapefruit, and hints of tart red berries, this one is light on its feet, with hints of toasted walnut, pleasant minerality and beautiful textures. $136
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Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé
Image Credit: Courtesy of Champagne Henriot This bright, fresh rosé from Henriot leads with a striking pale salmon color edged in copper. Generous fruit aromas are wrapped in florals, then a virtual party erupts on the palate—vibrant cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry flavors, along with pink grapefruit, interesting spice notes and candied orange peel. $75
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Mod Sélection 2008 Rosé Champagne
Image Credit: Courtesy of Mod Selection A deep-salmon color (result of the saignée method, rare in Champagne) marks beverage-icon Brent Hocking’s new Mod rosé from the beautiful 2008 vintage. Shockingly fresh red fruit flavors—bright raspberry, cherry and rhubarb—fill the palate, layered with honeyed citrus, exotic spices, tropical notes like ginger and a final kick of orange peel. $550
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Champagne Bruno Paillard Rosé Première Cuvée Extra Brut
Image Credit: Courtesy of Champagne Bruno Paillard This pale-copper beauty from Champagne Bruno Paillard is bracingly dry and seemingly transparent. Tart cranberry and wild strawberry flavors dance on the palate, layered with touches of almond, orange peel and earth. $60
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Presqu’ile 2013 Late Disgorged Sparkling Rosé, Santa Maria Valley
Image Credit: Courtesy of Presqu'ile This fascinating rosé from Presqu’ile in Santa Barbara County, has a unique character from six years on the lees. Delicate potpourri aromas float over an otherwise complex and earthy nose, while intense, spiced red fruit—Rainier cherry and cranberry—joins citrus and candied orange peel on a vibrant yet creamy palate. $85
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Cuvaison 2016 Brut Rosé Méthode Champenoise Napa Valley, Los Carneros
Image Credit: Courtesy of Cuvaison A vibrant mélange of fragrant florals, raspberry, and tart rhubarb gives this rosé from Cuvaison great appeal. A touch of toast is layered with green apple and citrus notes, reflecting the 30 percent Chardonnay blended with 70 percent Pinot Noir. $50
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Paula Kornell 2017 Blanc de Noirs Napa Valley
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paula Kornell This first release from Paula Kornell, the daughter of California sparkling-wine pioneer Hans Kornell, is creamy and bright at the same time. Lovely fruit flavors run from green apple, citrus and stone fruit to hints of tart berries. Made from 98 percent Pinot Noir, the wine has weight and depth, but is never heavy. $50
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Schramsberg 2015 Blanc de Blancs Brut Méthode Traditionelle, North Coast
Image Credit: Courtesy of Schramsberg This all-Chardonnay sparkler from Schramsberg is vibrant and focused, but its layers unfold from fresh apple and pear through Meyer lemon and citrus more broadly to tropical notes. The finish is dry and refreshing. $41
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Sotheby’s Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby's The “Grand Cru” part is itself promising, but the Sotheby’s brand behind this light, elegant Champagne earns trust. The nose is delicately floral, with layers of fresh brioche and juicy apple. On the palate, bright citrus leads into more crisp apple and gentle minerality. This one’s a deal. $37
