I’ve done some research for you, dear Corks & Cakers, just for you.

Yes, tasting sparkling wines from around the globe.  Some one has to do it, no?

Here we have 5 sparklers to recommend for Valentine’s Day (or any day) that will delight you without causing you pain and regret in your pocketbook. (Not that I ever regret Vieuve Clicquot, mind you.)

These wines from Germany, Spain, France, Washington, and California are delicious and not expensive.  They are not too sweet or sour (like some inexpensive wines are) and will easily match with your Valentine’s day treats, whether they be salty or sweet.

NV Schloss Biebrich Sekt, Germany

A remarkably drinkable wine at a STEAL for $3.99-5.99 depending on your Trader Joe’s location. Bright and floral, modest apple aroma, warm pear flavors.

Great to drink by itself or to buy by the case and have a mimosa or bellini party for a crowd.  

I recently saw a brunch idea in a magazine where the hostess set out crystal pitchers of assorted fresh juices on a tray:  orange, blood orange, cranberry, peach, pomegranate and guests could mix their own custom mimosa.  Fun!

Vintage valentines are awesome.

Michelle Brut from Chateau St. Michelle

Washington

$11.99

From the winery’s tasting notes: This sparkling has delicate flavors of apples and citrus and lively acidity. Try it with spicy fries, artichoke or cheese dips, calamari, salty snacks.

Yum!  Sparkling wine does go well with salty snacks and I like to pair a good bottle with humble and easy crunchies like popcorn, potato chips, salted peanuts, or (my fave combination), Fritos!  Try it.

Photo credit: Rebecca Penovich

Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne Cuvée Brut Reserve

France

$10.99, Trader Joe’s

Made in France from the same varietals used to make Champagne and produced in the champenoise methode. For the quality and the price, Crémant is hard to beat. Elegant and flavorful, pear, apple, bubbles easy to drink and light on the tongue.

Biutiful, Cava Brut Nature

Spain

$9.99

Lively acidity and flavors of toast, apple, pear, and citrus.  Try it with goat cheese-stuffed dates or dates wrapped in bacon and broiled.

I love tulips more than roses for Valentine’s Day.
Photo credit: Rebecca Penovich

Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée

California

$21.99

The most expensive of the bunch, but priced well under French champagne, Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée is an award-winning wine from California that can hold its own against the French. “Festive and vibrant with bright aromas of fresh cherry and lemon, raspberry, pear and crisp mineral. Drink now”.

91 Points, Wine Spectator: Domaine Carneros, 2006 Brut Vintage Cuvée – November 2009

Best U.S. Sparkling Wine – Food & Wine Magazine, October 2009

This is the wine I would savor as an apéritif with an elegant smoked trout or smoked salmon paté on a cracker.

Cheers and happy Valentine’s Day!

Red velvet cupcakes with buttercream frosting would be a perfect treat for your Valentine.
Photo credit: Allison Beuker Photography