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Wines of the week: The best bottles for Valentine's Day

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Terry Kirby
Sunday 08 February 2015 01:00 GMT
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Valentine's Day is traditionally a time for champagne – but how about popping another kind of cork this year?

From Italy…

Ferghettina Franciacorta Brut Satèn 2010

Made in Lombardy according to the méthode champenoise from Chardonnay grapes and therefore close to a lighter Blanc de Blancs – creamy, faintly citric flavours, floral hints. Simply gorgeous. £22.99, allaboutwine.co.uk; £23.95, stonevine.co.uk

From England…

Wyfold Sparkling 2010

From a small vineyard in the Oxfordshire Chilterns, although made by Ridgeway near Brighton, this is an award-winning English sparkler: as stirring and ethereal as a spring morning, hedgerow and stone-fruit flavours, bone-dry. Small production, so buy now. £29.99, laithwaites.co.uk

From France…

Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV

Not a style of champagne widely drunk in the UK, demi-sec is popular around Europe, usually drunk with dessert, particularly cakes and pastries. With candied fruit and sweet brioche flavours, a wonderfully fresh, clean finish and a magnificent, elegant climax to a special Valentine's meal. £35.05, thedrinkshop.com; £21 (for a half bottle), thechampagnecompany.com

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