The month of February offers many opportunities to celebrate, and wine lovers will enjoy toasting the coming days with some of these delicious drinks from France. When the French settled the Gulf Coast, they brought Mardi Gras with them—which is the biggest party happening on the Island this month—so there is no better time to drink French.
Mardi Gras is not the only time to lift a flute during February. There are many other occasions throughout the month that can be acknowledged with a raised glass.
The first day of the month starts with Chinese New Year, which is an excellent day to pop some bubbles and say “Oui” to French wine. Unfortunately, it also falls on a Tuesday, so that may dampen some celebrations.
In lieu of Champagne, opt for a more affordable French Crémant to pair with crispy favorites, like take out egg rolls and fried wontons, to enjoy with a simple celebration at home. While China may not be typically associated with wine in the United States, it is now the sixth-largest consumer of wine in the world, and China’s percentage of consumption has been rising steadily in recent years.
As the next day is Groundhog Day, consider ordering extras and repeating it all the following day. Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut is made with the same grapes and in the same way as Champagne, but it is sold at a more affordable price. Expect fine even bubbles with subtle floral notes with fresh, pink grapefruit, and a clean finish at a reasonable cost of around $23.
Lincoln’s birthday falls conveniently on Saturday. While there is a red wine blend out there with his face on it, The Federalist-Honest Blend, which makes for a straightforward pick, the 16th President was actually known for being a very moderate drinker and only sipped Champagne at White House dinners so as to “not look like a stick in the mud.”
Feel free to follow Abe’s lead, and pop open a bottle of France’s most prestigious sparkling wine, Champagne, to celebrate the weekend.
As Valentine’s Day falls on the following Monday, it’s an opportunity to combine events and make a weekend out of it. Bubbles are not only a top pick for lovers and big celebrations but also for Galentine’s get-togethers—a Feb. 13 event celebrating friendship—and evenings spent stuffing tiny cards for classroom exchanges.
If your Valentine prefers more sensual reds, Pinot Noir sets the mood for romance, and Bourgogne is its ancestral home. Bottles labeled with the Premier Cru or Grand Cru labels will come with higher price tags but, if your budget allows, are well worth exploring for the high quality and complexity that typically accompany those designations.
For more budget friendly Burgundy, seek out the wines labeled simply Bourgogne from a longtime producer like Louis Jadot, or try a velvety red Pinot Noir from a lesser-known village like Irancy, which still has the romance of a wine from a special place with an easier to swallow $25-35 price tag.
Laissez les bons temps rouler will be the mantra for the final half of February with Mardi Gras festivities bringing numerous opportunities to enjoy a tipple. When the good times are rolling, it is a good time to serve Bordeaux. France’s region most known for its luxury reds offers great value wines to serve when hosting a group.
Look for Cotes de Bordeaux to find the high-quality hillside reds based on Merlot and blended with other classic varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. The reds are surprisingly food friendly and are even served with the local fish in France.
Try Château LaClaverie Francs 2015 Côtes de Bordeaux for under $17. This vintage is considered excellent though recent years have all been very good.
Check out Bordeaux’s white wines, too. Bordeaux Blanc wines are some of the biggest steals in the wine shop and are usually priced in the $10-20 range. These crisp whites are made from Sauvignon Blanc and/or Semillon and are the perfect pairing for seafood heavy menus whether raw and cold or more creatively cooked.
Bordeaux makes sweet wines, too. The easiest to find locally will be labeled Sauterne, it is also one of the most prestigious regions for this style of wine, so it may seem a bit pricey, but the quality is high.
The Chateau Doisy Vedrines is sold in a half bottle size for a little over $30. Often served as an aperitif wine in France, it can be served with savory foie gras and blue cheese, with fruit and cheese filled tarts, or in place of dessert.
If looking to explore the fruits of the vine beyond France this month, check out these dates on the worldwide wine calendar for sipping inspiration.
February 5 is National Rosé Day in New Zealand. While National Rosé Day is celebrated in June in the United States, the New Zealanders are enjoying the winding down of their warmest days. It is a great time to raise a well chilled glass of New Zealand’s pink.
These wines are typically made from Pinot Noir grapes and offer tremendous value, and the screw cap closures make serving a breeze. Matua Valley and The Ned are two to try priced under $15 when celebrating Rose Day with those below the equator.
February 18 is Global Drink Wine Day, which is an open invitation to the wine drinkers of the world. Pick any wine that sounds good, pour it, drink it at home or out at dinner, share it on social media, or share it with friends. It doesn’t matter how it is done or where, it is just a day to enjoy a glass, in case an excuse was needed.
February 26 is Open That Bottle Night. This day is always celebrated on the last Saturday of February. This concept began in 2000, when Wall Street Journal wine writers, Dorothy Gaitor and John Brecher, encouraged wine lovers to open the special bottles they were holding and enjoy them now.
This February, raise a glass and celebrate, open something French, and make it even more fantastique. All the wines mentioned above were found at Spec’s.