French novelist Honoré de Balzac penned: “Great love affairs start with Champagne.” We’d have to agree. Perhaps it’s that festive pop when a bottle is opened, a sound that marks the beginning of a celebration. Certainly, it’s the tinge of excitement in our tummies when we watch ebullient bubbles buzz inside a fancy glass – whether coupe or flute. Of course, we hanker after that seductive nose, too, as it wafts aromas that evoke eons of lovers cavorting in gardens and forests like carefree nymphs off for a picnic. (Think: wild berries, mushrooms, peach, apple, neroli, lemon, bergamot and an air of je ne sais quoi.) Naturally, the pinnacle moment remains the first taste of that fruit of the vine, those exuberant, spirted bubbles dancing on our tongues – not to mention the sudden, crisp taste of citrus, followed by fresh baked brioche.
Pay homage to love and romance this Valentines’ Day – or any day you choose – with this collection of favorite Champagnes (sparkling wines made in France’s AOC certified region via champenoise methods) and sparkling wines, including one created without alcohol for your sipping pleasure.
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut
This sublime French Champagne house was founded in 1785 with the mission to craft a “cuvée worthy of a queen.” Accordingly, it was championed by Queen Marie Antoinette as its first ambassador. Ever embracing its noble legacy, the Piper-Heidsieck retains regal vibes as a symbol of global luxury and prestige. Its Cuvée Brut embodies the spirit of multi-vintage Champagne, stemming from a blend of more than 100 crus sourced from three grape varieties. Harmonizing amounts of Chardonnay and Meunier bring pep to the grounding gravitas of the wine’s 50% Pinot Noir composition. Expect a bright crispness before an umami-like rich and memorable finish. $69
French Bloom LE ROSÉ
You’ll never feel cheated with French Bloom. Those looking for a joyful, alcohol-free alternative for date night will be wowed by this elegant sparkling wine. Founded by two women, one French and one American, who sought a healthier way to toast, French Bloom triumphs. Crafted under the guidance of top French Champagne houses with de-alcoholized Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, it sports a sexy pink color in a gorgeous bottle. With floral hints and refined nuances of white peach and pear, it’s as good with aphrodisiacal foods— like oysters—as sipped on a porch swing in the afternoon. With no added sugar, low calorie French Bloom’s Le Rose also gets high marks for having no sulfites, colorants or preservatives. You can’t go wrong. $44
Champagne Pommery, Clos Pompadour 2003
This is the one for the splurge—and for oenophiles who really love to swill with the attention of a student doing research for her doctoral project or an explorer off to find a new haven. Because the exceptional cuvee is only bottled in magnums, it’s also the one for a crowd. So, you might want to make this the night you ask her to marry you, with friends hidden behind the trees in the park or on the other side of a closed door. The color of a yellow diamond and just as glittery, Clos Pompadour 2003 hails from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes, created by a cellar master who controls every aspect of the winemaking. Creamy and complex, it smells of apple, caramel and mango, going down the gullet with essences of peach and buttery brioche. $749
Billecart-Salmon, Le Rosé
Like a love letter in a bottle, Champagne Billecart-Salmon was born from the passion and devotion of beloveds, Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, who married in 1818. Their namesake Champagne house, one of the world’s most respected and sought after, has been producing rosé since the 1840’s. Today, under the helm of the family’s 7th generation, Billecart-Salmon continues to excel. Be awed by its shimmery opalescence, radiant with glimmering fortitude and an alluring pale pinkness, awash in busy bubbles. Creamy, tasting like springtime, dominated by wild strawberry and bright sun, it has a light raspberry finale. Try it with langoustine or salmon. $99-$109
GÉRARD BERTRAND, French Cancan Orange 2023
From the Languedoc vineyards of illustrious wine maker GÉRARD BERTRAND, this delectable orange sparkling wine delves into the classic tradition of French winemaking, but with a contemporary riff. Aged for six months, swept from vine to cellar with a short pressing time to preserve freshness and vibrancy, this extremely modern sparkling wine (vin mousseux) pays tribute to the mischievous Cancan dance and its homage to joie d’vivre. It wafts nuances of citrus, brioche and apricot, going down creamy and fruity on the palette. Choose this one for the wine curious, the biodynamic-obsessed and those ever in search of new frontiers. $30
J Vineyards Cuvée 20
There’s something almost mystical about the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast AVA. Cool-climate vineyards embrace the daily fog that settles in from the Pacific Ocean, which keeps the air temperature low and sultry—ideal for grape growing. Add in the unique soil and that wines made here have a natural, almost earthy acidity that bring harmony to the product. At J Vineyards, hand-harvested grapes compose their popular, highly rated, infinitely quaffable sparkling wines. Fruit-forward, J Vineyard Cuvee 20 smells tropical—like Hawaii meets the Amalfi Coast. Sip to discover floral notes, such as honeysuckle, apple and pear—perhaps even a smidgen of lemon, all melded into a lusciously creamy finish. This wine straddles all things. It can be chic, festive and friendly or something you swig from the bottle on a picnic because you forgot to bring coupes.
The Valentine’s Day Sleepover
Stay home to celebrate at one of New Orleans’ most romantic hotels. Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans redefines the holiday with staycation vibes. They’re offering 25% off best available room rates with advance bookings. You’ll get front-row views of Krewe Boheme’s Valentine’s night parade. Stay at least two nights to give yourself time to eat at both of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants: Donald Link’s river-view French cuisine at Chemin à la Mer and Alon Shaya’s Miss River, a temple of elevated Louisiana flavors. Rooftop, the pool awaits, as does the glamorous spa, replete with pampering experiences. Treat your sweet to Spa de Deux, a side-by-side couples’ bath, followed by an indulgent body treatment for two. Afterwards, you’ll share a bottle of Champagne, overlooking the Mississippi River. Don’t miss the hotel’s famous Jazz Brunch and bubbly at the award winning, lobby-level Chandelier Bar.
