Our Valentine's Day Picks: Show-Stopping Champagne, Burgundy Bargains

The history of Valentine’s Day is as long as it is ambiguous. Whether it’s rooted in the Roman festival Lupercalia, the Christian Saint Valentine, or Cupid, the message is clear: it’s a holiday to celebrate our loved ones. For us, that means wine and food—whether it's for Galentine’s Day or your sweetheart.

We’ve compiled a selection of wines for any celebration. Romantic dinner for two? Try Xavier Vignon’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape, perfect with steak. Aperitif before a night out? Go for some classy Italian Franciacorta bubbly. Want to gift a bottle? Choose a Burgundy from Jean-Michel Giboulot. Cozy night with friends? Pop open a luscious Meunier-based Champagne and enjoy.

• Showstopping Steak Pairing: Rare, Aged Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Xavier Vignon
• Franciacorta: Italy’s Answer to Luxury Bubbly
• Premier Cru Burgundy Under $50 Is an Affordably Extravagant Gift
• Champagne Never Fails: Meunier at All Price Points
• California Collector’s Bottles: Incredible Offerings for a Collector Near and Dear

Xavier Vignon is one of our favorite winemakers in the Rhône. He’s a well-known winemaking consultant who works with other producers around France; but when he sets his skills on his own wine projects, the results are dazzling. While we're always thrilled with his portfolio top to bottom, today we're highlighting his rare and extraordinary library Châteauneuf releases. Click here to read more about this visionary winemaker and his intriguing approach to the wines of the region.

Franciacorta is Italy’s premier sparkling wine from Lombardy, with a rich history and winemaking tradition. Its name dates back to the 11th century, when monks reclaimed lands known as Francae Curtes—tax-free lands. By 1277, it was referred to as "Franzakurta." Franciacorta's legacy predates Dom Perignon, with mention in the 1570 book Libellus de Vino Mordaci by Girolamo Conforti, who described its bubbly wines as "lively and tangy" with therapeutic benefits.

Franciacorta’s modern era began in the 1960s with Franco Giliani's creation of the first Pinot di Franciacorta. It became DOC in 1967 and earned DOCG status in 1995, recognizing it as Italy's first sparkling wine produced through secondary fermentation.

We have been working with Domaine Jean-Michel Giboulot for a long time, and one of the most rewarding parts of this relationship has been watching the wines get better-and-better with each vintage. These bottles shine a light on the emerging quality and diversity of vineyards in Savigny-lès-Beaune all the while offering an incredible value proposition. His wines come from an impressive list of vineyard holdings, and we currently carry four fantastic 2022 1er Cru Savigny-lès-Beaunes that any Burgundy lover will not want to miss.

Though Meunier covers about one-third of the Champagne region, it remains little understood. Unlike Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Meunier is indigenous to Champagne, which may contribute to its lesser-known status. Most growers sell their harvests to big houses, where they get higher prices for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, those who keep their grapes, particularly in the Marne Valley, often find Meunier produces the best wine and plant more of it.

Meunier is well suited to the region, as it buds last, avoiding the worst spring frosts. Despite being overlooked by many big houses, two of the best—Billecart and Krug—prize it. At Billecart, it’s fermented cold and slow to highlight its fruit, while at Krug, it’s aged for years as reserve wine, adding savor to their renowned Champagnes.

A stunning selection of iconic California cult wines, currently in stock! These bottles represent some of the most pioneering and brilliant projects to ever come out of California and have helped pave the way for the market today. Embodying a love and passion for their respective terroirs, and striving to achieve perfection at every step, these pinnacle California collectibles make for a truly jaw-dropping gift—whether for a loved one or for yourself. Beautiful and sumptuous, these rare finds likely won’t stick around for long.