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Wines of the week: The best sparklers for Valentine's Day
Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy
This Friday is Valentine's Day, but there's still plenty of time to seek out some sparklers to share…
From France
Champagne Bruno Paillard Premier Cuvée Rosé NV
Paillard, founded only in the 1980s, has established itself as a premier champagne house and here one can see why: a light pink blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, very dry, very elegant and ethereal with a fine mousse. Simply gorgeous. £64.99, selfridges.com
From England
Henners Rosé 2010
The idea that England can make sparkling rosé to compete with champagne was once laughable. Now it's a given that wines such as this Pinot Noir/Meunier combination have classically restrained red-fruit flavours, refreshing acidity and a complex, long finish. £26.99, allaboutwine.co.uk (as part of a minimum order of six mixed bottles); £27.49, simplywinesdirect.com
From Australia
Tyrrell's Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut 2009
From the Hunter Valley, home of some of Australia's finest whites, this is similar to typical French crémant wines made using the méthode champenoise: creamily effervescent, food-friendly, easily drinkable. Full of flavours of apples and pears. £18, vintagemarque.com
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