Lovely bubbly: Dom Pérignon 1998, Rosé de Saignée NV, Collavini Ribolla Gialla 1999
Moët et Chandon, Dom Pérignon 1998, €118.99, 12.5% Champagne and St Valentine's Day have an affinity, but you might need to break the budget if you really want to impress. You could go mad and get a bottle of the latest release of the luxurious Dom Pérignon: this vintage has just been released after developing in cellars for seven years. If the recipient isn't bowled over, then you can scuttle into a corner and fall in love yourself with this iconic Champagne's sensuous flavours and superb finish. From Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu and specialist off licences.
Duval-Leroy, Rosé de Saignée NV, €42.99-€45.99, 12% Alternatively, you could step down a few rungs on the financial ladder and offer this still very acceptable and very lovely rosé champagne from an old but recently reinvigorated house. Made from Pinot Noir, this soft, fragrant, light sense of summer hits all the right spots without costing an arm and a leg. From McCabe's, Foxrock, Dublin; Caprani, Ashford, Co Wicklow; Taster's, Blanchardstown, Dublin; Carpenter's, Castleknock, Dublin; Drink Store, Manor Street, Dublin; JJ O'Driscoll's, Ballinalough, Co Cork; Champers, Limerick; Shannon Knights, Limerick; Terry's, Limerick.
Collavini Ribolla Gialla 1999, €24.99, 12% There are many Champagnes and even more very good sparkling wines at this price, but this Spumante, made from an obscure and almost extinct Italian grape, is a little bit different. So you can show how sophisticated yet economical you are. Its light flavours of nuts and apples and lively fizz make it nice on its own but gorgeous with fresh orange juice. From O'Donovans, Cork; Sweeney's, Glasnevin, Dublin; McHugh's, Artane, Dublin; and Lonergan's, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.