RAISE A GLASS

I like to gently nudge you when special dates are around the corner and this week the word “date” is more relevant than normal. Valentine’s Day is almost here.

If you’re planning a stay-at-home date night here’s some thoughts on drinkies to share.

Aldi has released a new cream liqueur which is thoroughly pink.

Ballycastle Red Velvet Cream Liqueur (£7.25, 70cl) is a blend of alcohol, double cream and red velvet cake flavours. It’s the colour of a strawberry milkshake and has aromas of strawberry too. I can’t say I’ve ever had a red velvet cake; but I can tell you the liqueur has a familiar creaminess, with a good kick of warming alcohol and flavours of red fruits and vanilla.

Asda has launched a special offer with a Buy 3 Save 20% deal across all wines until February 14.

The deal may vary where you live. Even so, a fizz option could be a flurry of bubbles cascading from a bottle of Asda’s Extra Special Prosecco Rosé Brut (£8, before any deal).

One of my favourite champagnes in the supermarkets is the Co-op’s Les Pionniers range.

Co-op Les Pionniers NV Champagne Rosé is normally £22 but is on offer at £21 until February 22. It’s a pretty delightful, dry rosé champagne.

I love a glass of English sparkling wine and this one is a real treat: Harrow & Hope Brut Rosé 2018 (£32, Laithwaites).

I’m blessed to taste a lot of wine, and occasionally one bowls me over. Harrow & Hope is one of those. It has notes of crisp buttery shortbread, ripe strawberries and cream, and a flash of citrus.

The wine is crafted using classic champagne grapes (but grown in Buckinghamshire).

I’ll suggest a crémant, but this time, not a pink choice.

Gratien & Meyer Crémant De Loire Brut (£12, Tesco) is a white which is fizzily flirtatious.

Raise a toast with a wine that brings the flavours of crisp green fruits, citrus and soft notes of peach.

Finally, if you want to be alcoholfree, then you could celebrate with a bubbly glass of Bottega 0 Rose Non Alcoholic Sparkling Wine (£8.99, online at The Bottle Club).

It’s a beautiful, deep cerise colour. It looks like luxury, and to taste, it brims with ripe berry fruits. The bubbles fizz on the palate happily.

■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.