Champagne, Italian reds add sparkle to Valentine's Day

NEW YORK - Along with chocolate and roses, Champagne is a staple for many couples on Valentine's Day but wine experts say sweet reds and Italian sparklers are also good choices to spark romance.

Like the late French fashion designer Coco Chanel, who famously said she only drank Champagne on two occasions - when she was in love and when she was not - wine writer Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan said Champagne is always a top selection for Cupid's big day.

"It's a very safe call," the author of "The One Minute Wine Master: Discover 10 Wines You'll Like in 60 Seconds or Less,"said in an interview.

Many non-vintage rose Champagnes cost between US$45 and US$85 a bottle, although some sell for US$150.

For the more adventurous who want to make an impression on their Valentine, Simonetti-Bryan suggested Brachetto d'Acqui, a beverage popular in ancient Roman times.

"If you want a story to go along with that wine on Valentine's Day, then you want Brachetto d'Acqui," she said.

Legend has it that Julius Caesar and Mark Antony gave Cleopatra wineskins and jars filled with the sweet and, at that time, frothy red wine that was thought to be an aphrodisiac.

Today's Brachetto d'Acqui is not as bubbly, but sweeter and more effervescent, according to Simonetti-Bryan, who recommends serving the wine that sells for US$12 to US$15 a bottle with raspberries or chocolate-covered strawberries.

Pink Moscato is another slightly more affordable choice, she said.

Wine expert Charles Curtis prefers Franciacortas, sparkling wines from Italy's Lombardy region made from the same type of grapes as Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, or Pinot Noir, which are the grapes from which Champagne is made.

"There is very little you can't fix in married life with a bottle of Franciacorta," said the former head of wine for Christie's auction house.

Italian winemakers can use up to 5 per cent of Pinot Blanc grapes in blending Franciacortas, just as winemakers in Champagne can, though they rarely do.

Franciacorta is made using the same double fermentation method as Champagne, but as it is made in Italy and not France's Champagne region, it does not command as high a price.

"Franciacorta are sparklers that put Champagne on notice,"said wine judge and sommelier Robin Kelley O'Connor.

Bottles of non-vintage Franciacorta sell for US$35 to US$60.