Sparkling Wine for Valentine's Day

Domaine Chandon Brut Blanc de Noirs (Carneros; $22)

With Valentine’s Day smack-dab in the middle of the month, February is for romance. And yet, it can be tricky to find one perfect bottle to see you all the way through a romantic dinner. Trouble is, those bright, refreshing wines you crave for kicking off the evening aren’t always the same wines you seek when you move to the table. Do you really have to buy two special-occasion bottles?

Not if you choose one marvelous sparkling wine, such as Domaine Chandon’s Brut Blanc de Noirs.

Its fresh, lively bubbles and enchanting salmon-pink color will get the night started on a refreshing, exuberant note. Keep it on ice and keep pouring it through dinner: Red-fruit flavors combine with a creamy, round texture to help it mesh well with many special-occasion recipes you might choose this month: Salmon and mushroom-sauced beef especially come to mind.

Recipe Pairings: Pour Domaine Chandon Brut Blanc de Noirs with one of these recipes for a romantic dinner for two.

Relish wine and cocktails columnist Wini Moranville is the author of The Bonne Femme Cookbook: Simple, Splendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day.

Brought to you by: Relish