|
A ROMANTIC DAY WITH A DUO OF ROSÉSTwo Tantalizing Rosés from Pommery Will Tickle You Pink on Valentine’s DayEdited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady
Purchasing Champagne can be a daunting experience. Before you head for the wine shop, decide what you want to spend and the taste profile you prefer. For Valentine’s Day, nothing is more romantic than rosé Champagne – the soft salmon color is positively seductive. The first thing to consider when trying to find that perfect bottle is – do I want something very, very dry or do I want a bottle with a hint of sweetness? The majority of Champagnes and sparkling wines available in the U.S. are crafted in a traditional Brut style – this means the bubbly is bone dry. For those who love this style consider Champagne Pommery’s Brut Rosé NV ($70). This is a full-bodied wine with a fruity character that remains fresh and delicate. The fresh and fragrant nose is redolent of strawberries. For those who desire just a hint of sweetness – or perhaps think that the menu for the evening will just be dessert, try Champagne Pommery’s newest addition to the POP family, Pommery Pink POP Rosé genuine AOC rosé Champagne in a traditional 750ml size ($55). Brand new to the U.S., Pommery decided to introduce Pink POP in a larger bottle due to the popularity of Pink POP in its original single 187ml serving size. The off-dry Pink POP has a little less fizz than the Brut Rosé and is a touch sweeter. The pale pink color supports a bouquet of luscious red fruits from currant to pomegranate on a base of Viennese pastry. POP was created as an innovative way to introduce Champagne to a new generation of those who prefer their drinks a little sweeter and more accessible, but crave the glamour of a true Champagne. WHAT TO PAIR WITH ROSÉ?According to “What to Drink with What you Eat” authors Andrew Dornenberg and Karen Page (published by Bulfinch Press), the idea behind wine pairing should always be synergy: “The food makes the wine taste better, and the wine makes the food taste better.” Whether you decide to stay in or go out, here are a few key items to remember for easy pairing with your pink bubbly this year. Champagne Pommery Brut Rosé NV—Although simply perfect on its own, the Brut Rosé matches admirably with: Salmon, grilled or smoked; Proscuitto and Melon; Lobster, simply poached; Pork, grilled with Pommery mustard sauce. Champagne Pommery Pink POP Rosé NV— Undeniably luscious when sipped by itself, Pink POP will add a little dazzle to: Pastries & desserts such as fruit tarts, Crème Brulée or Frangipane (almond tart); Strawberries, Cherries, Raspberries or almost any type of fresh berry; Puits d’Amour (a classic French dessert which translates into ‘Wells of Love’, recipe follows). Pommery Rosé Champagne Menu Suggestions & RecipesA PREP-FREE VALENTINE’S DAY MENU AT HOME Appetizer Entrée
Lay out your best china and crystal, add candlelight, romantic ballads and you have set the stage. If you are feeling inspired, you may wish to try your hand at making Puits d’Amour, a simple, classic Valentine’s Day dessert that is delightful when enjoyed with Champagne Pommery Pink POP Rosé NV. Puits d’Amour (Wells of Love)RECIPE INGREDIENTS RECIPE METHOD Cut out centers of 12 circles with 1 1/4-inch cookie cutter and discard. Brush resulting rings with a little water. Using a spatula, place inverted rings on top of uncut circles. Be careful not to handle sides to cut dough, as pastry will puff unevenly or be lopsided if it is handled too much. Place circles on un-greased baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, until pastry is well puffed (about 2 inches high) and golden brown. Cool completely. Dust with sieved confectioners' sugar so that the tops of the pastry rings are thoroughly covered. Fill the center of the circle with jam using a spoon or pastry bag. Add fresh raspberries for garnish. Madelyn Miller is a food, wine and travel writer who loves bubbly. If you make this dinner, please invite her and she will bring the champagne. |
|
TM
Getting
a reservation for two on Valentine’s Day is often akin to getting fifty-yard
line seats at the Super Bowl—practically impossible. Why go through the
hassle? The fact is, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular dining out
occasions, but hectic restaurants can result in a less than romantic and relaxed
evening. Did I mention that Valentine’s Day will fall in the midst of the work
week? Yet one more reason to consider staying in for the evening. Create a
sensational night at home with the right menu, a great bottle of bubbly, a few
candles, a little mood music and whatever else your sweetheart desires…