The most romantic moment of my life happened beneath the Eiffel Tower. On a freezing Christmas Eve I proposed to the loveliest woman on Earth.

(It was a smart move, since we’ve been happily married for almost five years.) That night we celebrated with wine from a local market. Knowing nothing about wine at the time, we bought a sparkling wine based on the cute label and pink color.



Back in our apartment I had an eye-opening moment. I can’t recall the producer of that demi-sec sparkling rosé, but I remember the taste of strawberries and cream. Sipping that first glass taught me how enthralling wine can be.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not re-visit French rosé?
After all, what can be more romantic than combining France and the color pink? Now I know what you’re thinking. We Americans hear “rosé” and tend to think of cheap white zinfandel in a big jug. Get that image out of your head. The world of rosé goes far and above that stereotype.

Let’s take rosé Champagne, for starters. By adding a small amount of red wine to the white wine cuvée prior to secondary fermentation, vintners give these bubblies a salmon-pink color and fuller body.
Try our Jean-Noël Haton Champagne Rosé Brut ($36.99) for an excellent expression of this style. Though slightly harder to find, demi-sec rosé Champagnes will satisfy those looking for a sweeter taste.

For a second style of French rosé, turn to the region of Anjou. The Rosé d’ Anjou A.O.C. in the Loire Valley is one of the most prominent French regions for non-sparkling rosé. These wines feature a hint of sweetness and a rather dark color. For a great example, enjoy a Chateau de la Roulerie Anjou Rosé ($11.19).

Brent Miller

Wine Consultant at Store #215 in Tallahassee