Valentine’s Day and Champagne. Has there ever been a more bourgeois pairing? Well, maybe throw oysters into the mix for the “menage a trois.” The UK trade seems to bank on sales for the day and the pink of rosé seems to match every other capitalistic notion of February 14th. Surely real lovers know that the best day to enjoy Champagne is any day you’re together? But if you’re flying solo on this “romantic” day, as they say: if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with and open a bottle anyway. These wines in Australia are exclusive to Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores.

Champagne Duperrey, Brut, Reims, 2011

37% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir and 31% Pinot Meunier. Light yeasty aromas that wend their way into some egg shell with a distinct grassy undertone. Wheat grain, dried flowers and delicate red fruits complete the package.  Easy and soft mousse. Fresh palate with mandarin like citrus flavour, smoky red berries and echoes of peach. Good nutty complexity and chalky texture. Focused and linear finish. Guaranteed to be found for more less than the RRP. Excellent value.

 RRP: $70

Alc: 12%

Champagne Duperrey, Brut Rosé, Reims, NV

Traditional grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Complex aromas of wheatmeal, raspberry creme, coffee liqueur and kirsch. Lands in the mouth like a big velvety cushioned mousse and then follows a delicious balanced amalgam of small red berries and pink grapefruit. Finishing very clean with tight lines and worthy of a glass or two.

 RRP: $65

Alc: 12%

Wine samples courtesy of Pinnacle Drinks and Dialogue PR