Flatiron Wines & Spirits NY

Bairrada is one of Portugal’s many small, relatively unknown regions. In some ways, it’s quite Burgundian — there is one dominant red grape variety (Baga) and one white (Bical); the wines made here are generally quite balanced in terms of alcohol, acidity, and body; there’s a bustling trade in sparkling wine, though these bubbles are overshadowed by the still options; and there’s a lot of limestone in the soils here in Central Portugal.

If there’s ever a moment to pop a luxurious bottle of pink bubbles, Valentine’s Day makes a pretty compelling case. And nothing delivers quite like Laherte Frères’ stunning Rosé de Meunier. Based on the ripe, juicy 2022 vintage, this 100% Pinot Meunier is a beautiful, savory, deep magenta-colored charmer bursting with fresh wild strawberry and tart cherry tones wrapped around a finely chiseled, mouthwatering mineral core.

Domaine Jean-Marie Chaland can be found at 12 Rue de la Grappe d’Or, literally “Golden Grape Street” in the town of Viré. The Viré-Clessé AOC is one of Burgundy’s newest appellations, designated in just 1999. As we’ve seen all over the Mâconnais, interest in the area’s limestone-rich terroir (and less expensive real estate) has skyrocketed in recent years; Meursault icon Dominique Lafon’s Heritiers line proudly features a Viré-Clessé.