I proposed to my wife on Valentine’s Day. ‘Naff!’ I hear you cry. On the contrary, it threw her off the scent delightfully and I’m thrilled each and every day that she agreed – not least as it gives us the perfect reason to crack open the bubbly on February 14 each year. And from bargain to blowout, why resist the lure of thinking pink when it comes to your fizz?
For romantic rosé that’s as bubbly as it is zesty, English fizz should be top of your list. Kent’s very own Balfour 1503 Rosé NV (11.5%) is appetising and inviting, in Majestic from £21.99. Marks & Spencer’s Ridgeview Marksman Sparkling Rosé 2014 (12%) is a Sussex stunner for £28, or dive into Camel Valley Rosé 2015 (12.5%), in Waitrose for £28.99 – multi-award-winning Cornish bubbly I’ve bought many times.
Of course, French champagne will be ramping up many romantic moments this Wednesday. I warmly recommend Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé (12%), a splash-out treat for £65 from bbr.com – it’s fulsome and delectably fruity.
For value though, it’s hard to resist the allure of the Loire and, for me, the Wine Society is leading the charge with the Society’s Saumur Rosé Brut (12%), for £10.95. Blended from Cabernet Franc with a touch of Grolleau Noir for colour, it’s a touch more fragrant and soft than you might expect, which unleashes a fruity flow framed by an elegant pale orange-pink tone.
On the high street, for a light, crisp bubbly, Mirabeau en Provence La Folie NV (12%) is on offer (until Feb 20) in Waitrose at £9.69 (from £12.99), and I’ve found a Spanish Cava, above, for under six quid that’s unbelievable value. Further afield, Akarua Central Otago Rosé (13%) is £26.60 from thenewzealandcellar.co.uk if you’re after a zesty drop – perfectly off-beat if you’re planning an unexpected proposal!