ST VALENTINE – ESPECIALLY FOR WINE LOVERS

Some of my readers may feel that they are a bit too old for falling under the spell of St Valentine. Supermarkets are bending over backwards to get you to buy chocolates, roses and anything with a pink heart on it. Included in Valentine’s week packages are some fantastic deals on white wine and bubbly. Prosecco from a fiver, non-vintage champagne from nine quid what’s not to like?

Here’s a quick selection of some of the bargains on offer from now until Valentine’s day. You'll need to be quick to pick up some of these.

ALDI

Crémant du Jura 2013, France £7.29

A lovely sparkling chardonnay from the Jura region of France which has the champagne characteristics at a fraction of the price . This is a proper sparkling wine which comes in a Krug-like bottle. This was a great hit at Christmas and the New year and for confidence it has been recommended by Olly Smith. Very stylish and will impress.

Champagne Veuve Monsigny Rosé Brut NV, France - £14.99

Produced in the historic town of Epernay this perfectly balanced rosé champagne is characterised by its vibrant colour, finesse and elegance with wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit flavours. As a big plus it’s suitable for vegetarian lovers.

WAITROSE

Charles Lecouvey Champagne Brut NV, France £14.99

This silver medal winning champagne has an enticing mix of crisp apple& toasted brioche flavours with a fresh, elegant style. An exclusive blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, matured for a minimum of 18 months prior to release. Massive reduction from £26.99

Louis Jadot, Macon Village Chapelle aux Loups 2014, France £8.99

Louis Jadot is a renowned house specialising in Burgundy This white Burgundy is made from the chardonnay grape and comes from a single village. This balanced wine has attractive notes of citrus and ripe melon fruitiness all wrapped up in a soft buttery texture. Fantastic with lightly caramelised scallops, fresh Scottish langoustines or any seafood.  Normally £11.99

MORRISONS

Champagne Devanlay Brut NV, £10.00

Made from a blend of the three classic grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, this Champagne is elegant and full-bodied. Crisp green apple and light buttery notes combine with a lively mousse on the smooth, rounded palate. Normally sold at £18 this bargain is reduced for this week only.

Menestrello Prosecco DOC NV, Italy £5.00

Now, a good Prosecco, like this corker from Menestrello, is nice and fruity with a lovely hint of sweetness. It has a delicate lemony scent on top of its soft peachy flavours. Mix it with some peach juice and you've got yourself your own version of the Bellini cocktail. Why not literally push the boat out, pop over to romantic Venice to enjoy an original Bellini in Harry's Bar. Reduced from £9.00

Trivento Chardonnay Reserve 2014, Argentina £6.00

Lovely rounded chardonnay from the Mendoza Valley close to the Andes. A step above basic chardonnay the silky yet fresh sensations of Trivento Reserve Chardonnay make way for a delicate finish. A class act from Argentina.

McGuigan BIN 156 Chardonnay 2015, Australia £5.00

One of the mass produced chardonnay’s which are frequently on offer. Bin 156 very rarely disappoints with a combination of citrus and tropical fruit aromas. The 2015 release is fresh, will develop and become more rounded if left to mature for a few more months..

TESCO

Cono Sur Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé NV, Chile £7.00

Made of 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes from the Bio Bio Valley, this Sparkling Rosé has soft aromas of fresh red raspberries and notes of blueberries. The palate is juicy, refreshing and mineral with a smooth character and persistent finish. Cono Sur have a great reputation for quality.

Lanson Black Label Champagne NV, France £20.00

You could push the boat out with Lanson Black Label if you want to impress. £20 is a great price for this world class house. Dry and easy drinking and perfect with smoked salmon canapés. Also available in Morrisons at £20.

ASDA

Pierre Darcys Champagne Brut NV, France £9.00

Rock bottom price for champagne. Reputed to be pale gold in colour with fresh and delicate aromas of lemon and apple. Not quite sure about this one made in Bethon by Paul Laurent.

Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay, Australia £5.00

Full bodied, dry chardonnay which provides rich tropical fruit and melon flavours with subtle oak characters. Well rounded with an elegant finish. Always a great bargain when on offer.