RAISE A GLASS

I’M giving you ample notice that love will soon be in the air. Yes, it’s almost that time of year, Valentine’s Day. Here are some thoughts on pinks with sparkles to toast your loved one.

First up, a new rosé from the wine producer Domaines Paul

Mas, in the south of France.

La Terrasse Sparkling Rosé (£14, Sainsbury’s) is a blend of pinot gris, pinot blanc, pinot noir and grenache gris. They’re created into wines which are blended together and then begin a second fermentation. This is exactly the same way as champagne is made. The bubbles are ready to explode with love when they reach us, delivering ripe strawberry notes and a hint of cream and biscuits. I’ve just mentioned champagne, so it would be rude not to recommend a couple. This first is a perfect gift if your loved one loves nothing more than a winter holiday skiing in snow-clad mountains. A bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Rosé (£35, at johnlewis.com) is wearing a plush après-ski inspired winter jacket. The champagne is pretty delicious too, lush and vibrant with summer fruits. It’s a champagne that keeps on giving. The wine is a dusky pink colour with aromas and flavours of strawberries, raspberries and cherries, and a creamy texture. Another champagne? Why not. Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV is available in a gift box (RRP £52.15) from stores, including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Oddbins and Ocado. The champagne is a beautiful pink colour, created by the addition of red wine from the vineyards of Ambonnay and Bouzy. Flavours of red fruits are lifted by a touch of citrus and a fresh, exciting acidity. Here’s another French lovely for the love in your life. The Society’s Saumur Rosé Brut NV (£11.50, The

Wine Society) is crafted in the Loire Valley on behalf of the society by top-notch producers Gratien & Meyer.

At the wine’s heart is the cabernet franc grape, which loves to grow in cool, inland climates. This wine warms my heart. Redcurrants, strawberries, a hint of newly-budding spring freshness – oh and not forgetting the sprightly bubbles – make me very happy indeed.

A short hop over to

England now, and awardwinning Bolney Cuvée

Rosé (£29.99, online at BolneyWineEstate.com).

If your sweetheart is an

English rose this is an ideal choice for a loving treat.

The wine is subtle and elegant, with red berries, wild strawberries and red apples.

Finally, I’ll move away from the bubbles to bring a pink from

New Zealand. Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon 2020 (RRP £11, in Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s) may look subtle and shy, but it shakes up the senses! If the one you love has a penchant for the punchy aromas and flavours of sauvignon blanc, then they’d be happy with this pink wine. Merlot has been added to the blend to create the colour and to bring a plummy softness of red fruit. But sauvignon blanc stands firm with its characteristic surge of gooseberry, passion fruit and citrus.

Find Jane on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.