Wine Savvy on February 14, 2014 0 Comments Well, today is another “Hallmark Holiday”. You know which one I’m talking about — Valentine’s Day. Even if it is just that, what is the problem? It seems to me, that most of the year we do not make enough time set aside for love and even if you might, I see nothing wrong with throwing another, perhaps more official day of it in the mix. For the singletons out there, don’t just sulk around and complain bitterly about the day. If you find yourself alone, grab your closest friend, your dad, your mom, your sister, whomever you love the most. Celebrate each other’s company! If you don’t want to go out to dinner, make one, make a lunch and of course get a great wine or bubbly to go along with it. Below are some personal picks to help you find one. Happy Valentine’s Day! Keep in mind, these are in no particular order as it was quite challenging for me to rate them in a particular order of favorites. You know your loved one better than I, so you make the call. Iron Horse 2009 Wedding Cuvee Sparkling Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California — $180 When people think about the Russian River Valley, they think Pinot Noir. This Sparkling is a blend of 78% Pinot Noir and 22% Chardonnay. It is beautiful, seductive and did I mention, beautiful? Wouldn’t you say that is exactly what you want in a Valentine wine? The aromas are wonderfully inviting with variations of ripe stone fruits, strawberries with hints of almond. The palate showcases the flavors of its perfume along with a ruby grapefruit finish as the bubbles caress your palate and leave you wanting more. It is a perfect stay-in bubbly for those who want to impress and fashion up a homemade dinner for their love. Try spaghetti carbonara or make due with finger foods and an indoor picnic of the best charcuterie. Flowers 2010 Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, California — $399 Forget about the actual flowers, just grab the wine. If they are looking puzzled as to where their flowers might be, just tell them I suggested a little something else. I am sure they will not be disappointed. These flowers won’t wilt, but instead will surely make for a delicious experience. It is perhaps the most lovely wine with perfumes of ripe Anjou pears and fall Honeycrisp apples that are dressed with some brown sugar and butter about to go in the oven. The flavors carry more of the pretty pears, lemon drop with a crisp savory finish. Think fresh lobster and melted butter. Terra Valentine 2012 Riesling Napa Valley, California — $270 When you are searching out a Valentine’s Day wine, there are some characteristics you should look for; easy-to-drink, it should be interesting and of course seductive and it must go with finger food. What is more romantic than having a great wine with food you can feed to one another?! This wine is full of wonderfully warm and sexy tropical fruits and a finish of warm spice. Pair with melon wrapped in proscuitto, white anchovy and parmesan bruschetta, oil cured olives, dried fruits. For something different, how about strawberries with sour cream sprinkled with brown sugar. Seriously, try it. Terra Valentine 2010 Amore Napa Valley, California — $229 Call my next choice, just like the previous a little cliché. The winery that just happens to possess the same name of this special day is not coincidental, nor is it that I chose a wine called ‘Amore’. Terra Valentine truly does make magical wines suiting for this day. The Amore is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot from specially selected vineyard sites. It is full of bright fruit, spice with tart apple and bright cherries with an earthy finish. A perfect wine to go with anything from a great steak to lasagna to lamb with a cherry wine reduction. Moët Rosé France — $95 Nothing says Valentine’s day like a something pink and sparkly. I’m not talking about a piece of jewelry. This Brut Imperial is intense with strawberry and raspberries with a soft finish with just a touch of sweetness. Think strawberries and cream, peaches and cream, berries and cream. Are you getting the theme here? Recommended Reading: 5 Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift Pairings Wine & Food Pairing Made Easy: The Complete Guide 4 Popular Types of Wine to Keep in Your Collection How to Choose the Best Wine For Your Thanksgiving Dinner
