ROSES are red, violets are blue, forget the flowers, Champers will do.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and if my partner is reading this, I lied about the flowers. There’s also some lovely restaurants in Liverpool and Paris is nice this time of year.

Let’s cut to the chase.

Sparklies and pinks, pink sparklies, or just plain sparklie.

Oh, this is tough. But someone has to do it … here’s some of the best Champagnes and sparklies I’ve tasted on your behalf; and some other deals on offer, should you be thinking of loving up.

For under a fiver, share a light refreshing fizz with a hint of apricots. At seven per cent alcohol, La Rovere Moscato Spumante (£4.99, Morrison’s) still brings a tingle-toes hit. It’s sweet and moreish; and I don’t normally go for spumante. Morrisons’ Champagne Dubrince Rose is half price at £15.49 (usually £30.99, until February 26). A yummy salmon-pink confection it is too; I wasn’t keen to share this one, love or otherwise.

Champagne Claude Baron Cuvee Saphir Brut NV right is a great value fizz (£26.99 full price or £17.99 if you’re an investing Angel – supporting winemakers – with www.nakedwines.co.uk) I loved the buttery brioche sparkles in this Champagne; a steady fizz with vanilla running through it and, for me, a hint of almond peeking round the corner from somewhere.

Champagne Veuve Monnier (£13 from £26 until February 14, Co-operative stores) had a fizz that constantly exploded in my glass like one of those deep sea vents you see on nature programmes. Signature Champagne grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier are blended to create an irresistible drink to share with your Valentine.

Decanter Trophy Award Winner Louis Bernard Champagne Rose (£19, down from £24.98, at ASDA) tinkled away in my glass, its seductive, pretty soft pinkness deceptively drier than I expected it to be. Good value here.

Oeil de Perdrix Rosé NV Champagne (£18, Majestic Wines) is named because its light, delicate colour matches that of the eye of the partridge. I couldn’t catch one to test the theory, but I did enjoy its light, tingly, fruity crispness.

Tesco’s award-winning Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV is down from £20.99 to £15.99 until February 21, which isn’t to be sniffed at. Or perhaps it should be, before taking a celebratory sip.

At Sainsbury’s, Antoine De Clevecy Champagne Brut is half price at £15.99 from £31.99 and the pinker-than-pink Lanson Rosé Label is £9 off at £26.99 – both offers until February 14.

For a classy end to your romantic evening, Oddbins has Pol Roger Rose 2002 at £75, with a wild strawberry nose and a sprinkling of pepper.

Now girls. Cut out this article and surreptitiously leave it next to your partner’s wallet.

Also in my glass this week … Small and Small Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (www.nakedwines.co.uk up to £10.99). If midday sunshine was a taste it would be this. Bright and glinting with an eye-blinking zingy hit of gooseberry which even now as I write, its memory sets my mouth a-watering.

Also on my plate this week … I made an extra-strength chilli to cheer me up; to keep its compatriot company, I opened a Chilean red Carmenere Colchagua Valley 2010 (£7.39, Morrisons). Its silky soft texture and rich cherries paired wonderfully with oh-so-extra-hot spices for a double Chilean delight.