The first trip to Napa (while on Honeymoon) was at Chandon's restaurant. While I believe this picture is a Pinot Noir - our first clink of the glasses on our honeymoon was a Rose. It was one of those moments where I had the epiphany of what great wine tastes like. I was also pleasantly surprised at how good a Rose champagne was - I had grown up on the Zinfandel wines in a box. I know it sounds silly but it is the truth!
I just recently had another bottle, this time from a friend as a gift celebrating the birth of our baby. I'll admit that I had been hankering for a rose champagne nearly the entire time I was pregnant, even stating I would have a glass at the hospital right after the baby's delivery. While that wasn't quite the case, I truly enjoyed the bottle as it both recalled my first trip to Napa on Honeymoon and was a promise of things to come. And as an added bonus, the Chandon also sells for about $20 - $25 depending on the retailer, so while it is a bit on the more expensive side, it won't break the bank for those special, romantic occasions.
Also a favorite of ours is Schramsburg sparkling wines. Now while they are more difficult to find outside of California, you can usually find them on the East Coast in a Safeway Market. We often pick up a bottle (they retail for $25-$35 for their Blanc de Blanc) for special occasions for friends. They make a wonderful present for an engagement, a new baby or some other special occasion. Just look for the little frog guy holding glasses on the label. :)
So yes while I would recommend any old brut for a mimosa or other cocktail, these are two wines that really stand on their own!
