Bubbles are wonderful all year long so there’s no need to just enjoy them on Valentine’s Day. However, if you do want to go the traditional route, I have some suggestions. The best values, for both sparkling wines and Champagnes, often come from the lesser-known areas and producers. One of my favorites has long been Gruet, a family-owned winery—with roots in Champagne—in New Mexico. It may come as a surprise but they make some great wines here.

If you want to go with real Champagne, Nicolas Feuillate is one of my favorites. It is one of the youngest and newest houses in Champagne. Also many other French regions—such as Alsace and the Loire—make some amazing sparkling wines. Albrecht’s crisp Cremant d’Alsace is a favorite of mine.

Dolcetto and Barbera have long been favorites of mine. Lambrusco is fun for its fizz and has divine acidity that helps it to pair with lots of foods. Liniis one of my favorites.

Some sexy Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs should also do the trick.Foursight and Lautrec from Toulouse are two of my favorite producers.

Cin Cin,

Liza the Wine Chick