Champagne, France – $29.99
For those of us falling short of gold grills, Benzes, and an estate in the neighborhood, Thierry Triolet’s Brut Champagne à Bethon supplies all of the richness you’ll need for an evening with bubbly. For those urban gentlemen who love Champagne but hate spending upwards of $45 for something decent, Triolet is a steal at $29.99.
Out of the bottle, this non-vintage is the color of burnished gold, with the subtlest note of salmon pink when the light hits it right –– so wear it around your neck if you want. On the nose is chocolate, baking spices and even the hint of Sherry’s nuttiness. In the mouth, add the refreshing acidity and bitterness of orange zest, a nicely rounded body (easy there), and you’ve got the perfect bottle for that clincher date.
This bottle is perfect for a nice cuddle fire/space-heater side (with a girl, not the bottle itself). Serve it alongside roasted pork tenderloin with nutmeg mashed potatoes and sautéed apples (seductive, rich, yet unassuming), and remember, seconds all around.
