I’ll never forget my first Valentine’s card. It was from Gill Turner, who was in the year below me at school. Gill had a dazzling smile, bright blue eyes, wonderfully defined eyebrows, alabaster skin, and she swam like a seal. (Maybe that’s an odd thing to find attractive). It was a unique combination of charms, and I was thrilled to get a card from her. I have a horrible feeling I didn’t send her one. In fact, I have an awful memory that I encouraged her to read Dostoyevsky. What a pretentious git I was. Anyway, Gill, wherever you are, you will forever have a place in my heart and mind.

Of course, there was more to school than Gill Turner. There was Will Shakespeare and his immortal line “If music be the food of love…..” Which begs the question, what should you drink with the food of love?

For me, the wine of love will always be Champagne. While all alcohol is transformative – for better or worse – Champagne most closely captures the feeling of love. The butterflies, the rosy bloom on your cheeks, the giddiness and joie de vivre, the energy and excitement at the pop of the cork. Ironic that one of the pioneers of the wine, Dom Perignon, was a monk who must surely have taken an oath of chastity. Perhaps every bubble is a brother’s love? No, don’t go there.

And if Champagne is the wine of love, then rosé Champagne is the Champagne of love.

Here are a few suggestions – and I’m not saying that price is a measure of passion here, despite the scale.

Canard Duchene Rose $42 for 375mls at Vintage Cellars

‘Delicate, feminine and summery. A decisively elegant style.’

Ok so it’s at the cheaper end, and it’s only a half-bottle, but the story behind this Champagne is filled with love. In 1860, Monsieur Canard, a barrel maker, met Mademoiselle Duchêne, a winemaker. They fell in love, got married and gave birth to Canard-Duchêne. How enlightened they were to use both names. So, you are not a cheapskate, just a romantic and, like all great romantics, short of cash.

Billecart Salmon Rose, around $140

Pop a bottle of this on the 14^th and you’re a man or woman after my own heart.

“With its subtle and gourmet aromas, this cuvée is a reference point amongst rosé champagnes. It will be a pleasant companion to your happiest moments with its sparkling colour, its amazing finesse and its great intensity.”

Charles Heidsieck Rosé Reservé NV around $150

I think this Heidsieck is now my favourite NV Champagne. It’s more like a vintage, with so much depth of flavour, so I’d be very excited at the site of one of these. The Club Oenologique rates it highly:

“The fruitiness is pristine here, with a flick of vanilla complementing the radiant peach and strawberry fruit. It is good to let Charles Rosé rest a bit, because the complexities start to surface with time in the glass. Firm and vinous on the palate, despite the subtlety and freshness. A beautifully crafted, super-complex blend of finesse and vibrancy.”

Kreglinger Vintage Rosé, $75 on line

Yes, it sounds like a Champagne house, but it’s actually from Piper’s Brook in Tasmania. The name comes from the Belgium company who bought PB in 2000 and haven’t looked back.  Tyson Stelzer and James Halliday & Co are both lovers.

“This sparkling rose, carefully crafted from single site Pinot Noir delivers layers of elegant and complex flavours…. a gorgeous sparkling wine which demonstrates why the Pipers Brook region is acclaimed around the world.”

If you’re planning a romantic meal somewhere, dare I suggest The Rice Den in St Leonards, where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Avalon Rosé with your Valentine’s Day menu. It lacks bubbles, but is winning hearts all round.