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Raise a glass to the love of your life thanks to some top picks from the wine experts at Hartsdale Village Wine & Spirits.
Nothing says celebration — or romance — like Champagne. This Valentine’s Day, you’ll probably want to celebrate with some bubbly. We asked James DeThomas of Hartsdale Village Wine & Spirits to recommend a few of his favorites. “There are great values at all prices,” says DeThomas. “I like to focus on small-production, handcrafted Champagnes owned by family farmers, known as ‘grower Champagnes.’ They are not mass-produced by huge corporations, and, as a result, they are much more focused, terroir-driven Champagnes allowing the best flavors to burst through.”
1. NV Doyard Brut “Cuvee Vendemiaire” Premier Cru $45 (750 ml) “This is one of the greatest values in Champagne right now. What Doyard gives you for under $50 is what the big houses give you for over $75.”
2. 2008 Rene Geoffroy Brut “Empreinte” Premier Cru $62 (750 ml) “This could cost $100 and still be a value. The year 2008 is a remarkable year in Champagne. This is rich and creamy and has the stuffing to age a couple of decades. We can’t get enough if it!”
3. NV Egly-Ouriet Brut “Tradition” Grand Cru $75 (750 ml) Francois Egly is a master of his craft; ask the sommeliers at the hottest restaurants in NYC. These Champagnes are impressive for their incredible richness, but all the while remaining balanced and elegant.”
4. NV Henri Billiot Brut Rose Grand Cru $60 (750 ml) “Billiot’s rose is loaded with nuances of bright cherry and red berry fruit with a supple mouth feel and long finish. If you’ve never had rose Champagne this is a great starting point.”
5. 2005 Pierre Gimonnet Brut “Vintage Collection” Premier Cru $225 (1500 ml only) “Gimonnet is a master of Chardonnay-based Champagnes and he only releases his Vintage Collection Brut with its ornate silver label in 1.5 liter bottles. This is intense and riveting Champagne from very old vines of 100+ years and if you like the finer things in life, you owe it to yourself to find this rare bottle.”
Hartsdale Village Wine & Spirits
216 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale
914.723.3535
