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Here are some suggestions to consider for Valentine’s Day:
» Henri Billiot Brut Rose "Grand Cru" (about $60): A bottle of well-chilled Champagne really does set a romantic tone. In terms of color scheme, a bottle of this pink bubbly would look nice next to some red roses. And because it possesses finesse and is ethereally delicious, with tiny, flirtatious bubbles, it will also set the right mood for the evening.
» CF Pinot Noir "Santa Maria Valley" (about $26): Staying with the theme of lovely and delicious, here is a pinot noir made exclusively for Hawaii, its warm climate and myriad Asian-inspired foods. Grown on a wind-pounded mesa, it is a shining example of how alluring, seductively textured and light pinot can be. More important, it is balanced (naturally) without high alcohol or toasty oak levels.
» Malvira Birbet (about $26): The popularity of Italian Moscato d’Asti is growing meteorically in the United States. A lot of that has to do with how amazingly light, fruity and slightly sweet it is, delivered with much lower alcohol levels. Within the general Italian winegrowing region of Piemonte are similarly styled fizzy wines produced from a red grape variety called Brachetto.
When grown and produced from the Asti to Alba subregions following government restrictions, it can be called Brachetto d’Acqui. Grown in the Roero subregion following government parameters, it can be called Birbet. The best I have tasted is the Malvira Birbet. It’s a treat, especially at the end of the meal to freshen the palate. A bonus: Because it is light red, it makes a pretty picture alongside a bouquet of roses.
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Chuck Furuya is a master sommelier and a partner in the DK Restaurants group.