ThisNext Blog

Pink wine’s had a hard go of it in the U.S. For years, its reputation was besmirched by low-grade White Zinfandels and unscrupulously marketed cheap pink champagnes. But in Europe, pink wine is not only de rigueur, but often surprisingly delicious. 

Sure, most people think of it as summertime fare, a crisp refresher on a hot day. But what could be more romantic than sipping a salmon-colored glassful in front of a roaring fire on Valentine’s Day?

How about if it were bubbly?

Slashfood spotted a story in Forbes, of all places, rating their top 10 pink champagnes sparkling wines for the big day. While the list encompasses a good selection from the approachable to the extravagant, I was disappointed to see my personal favorite, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé, unceremoniously overlooked. I just love Feuillatte’s nearly microscopic bubbles and subtle sweetness. It can run a tad pricey, though, so if you’re looking to rein in the budget for your V-Day plans, Good Wine Under $20 recommends a very reasonable N.V. Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne Cuvée Rosé Brut, a major bargain at $7.99. “This is not the smoothest brut rose you’ll ever have,” confesses bloguer Dr. Debs, “but it is still very good QPR [Quality-to-Price Ratio]. And, if you like your wine brut and pink, this is the way to go.” (On the other hand, if money is no object, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a little Dom Pérignon Rosé, cheri …) While you’re at it, why not serve it in some pert pink champagne flutes?

Not into the bubbles? No problem. Bon Appétit’s BA Blog picks out a few perfect pinks to perk up your romantic night. I’m particularly intrigued by the Paul Cotat 2005 Sancerre Rosé; if it lives up to the description, I’m all about it: “Gorgeous raspberry flavors and rose petal aromas, and there’s a sort of peppery finish that makes this a great match to spicier dishes.” And I certainly hope you plan to spice things up on Valentine’s Day.

The pinky goodness shouldn’t stop before the meal does. Bring the pink right down to the homeplate with a quality dessert wine. Sam of Becks & Posh puckers up for a personal favorite of mine, Canada’s own Inniskillin Ice Wine, but this time a first for me: The cabernet franc rosé version. Sam extols the virtues of this Canuck sticky with chocolate, revealing that is actually marginally less sweet than its better-known white cousin. “Salmon pink strawberry hues, raisin, caramel overtones without too much syrup,” says she, “light and exceptional with the chocolate. Also great on the tongue, giving forth a burst of acidity when paired with a triple creme cheese.”

But what’s a romantic soirée without a cocktail, before, after or in lieu of wine? Keep the pink theme going with a sweet-tart concoction, like Liquor Snob’s Passionpolitan, spiked with passion-fruit rum, or a truly pretty in pink Gaijin, again complements of Slashfood. This creamy cocktail uses nigori, or unfiltered sake, to give opacity and lusciousness to its peach-raspberry base. Or perhaps you want to pair up some chocolate-covered strawberries with a cool shot of our latest favorite new find, Jago Strawberry Cream Vodka from Scotland. I’m licking my lips already.