Wine Ideas for Valentine’s day

Valentine’s Day is here again, and with it, romantic dinners and a nice time with that special someone. Whether or not you’re into all the Valentine’s Day’s gadgetries and traditions, including stuffed teddy bears, chocolates and heart-shaped greeting cards, you must agree it’s a great time to pop open a bottle of wine.

The question is, which wine to choose? Well, here are a few ideas to get you started. It doesn’t matter if your significant other is into wine or not; these wines from all around the world will set the romantic ambiance.

Bubbles!

Bubbles are intrinsically celebratory, and they’re fashionable too. Sparkling wine is not only for memorable occasions; opening a bottle of fizzy wine is a special occasion on its own.

The good news is that sparkling wine’s quality is overall high, so you can choose with your eyes closed and will hardly be disappointed.

For a fruit-forward, versatile style that will undoubtedly pair well with bright salads, a cheese platter, creamy Italian pasta and butter-seared seafood, you might want to drink Champagne.

Although nothing beats the authentic French fizz, many other sparkling wines made in the Champagne-style will be equally pleasing and come at more comfortable prices.

Why not to try Champagne Brut Rosé NV – Bernard Remy or Franciacorta Brut Satèn DOCG 2018 – La Valle

Pinot Noir, Silky and Sensual

Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that always shows decadently sweet cherry aromas and intriguing earthy undertones. The palate, though, that’s something else entirely — smooth as silk and sexy, Pinot was born to be enjoyed on Valentine’s Day.

Pinot is also a finicky grape, and it won’t grow anywhere. Only the chilliest vineyards around the world can ripen this noble grape to perfection. The result? Beautiful pale-hued wine that’s lovely when paired with seared salmon, a tuna steak, sweet and savoury stir-fries, and earthy mushroom dishes. What’s not to love?

Pinot Noir “The Raptor” 2019 – Lake Chalice or Pinot Noir “Litoral” 2020 – Viña Ventolera

Sweet Wine, For a Sweet Time

Sweet wine is coming back, and it’s better than ever. There are few things nicer than extending the night until the small hours while sipping a luscious, sweet wine reminiscent of ripe apricots, sultanas, marzipan and saffron. This is the type of wine you want to enjoy with a loved one; it’s intimate and so delicious it almost makes you feel guilty.

Sweet wines come as both red and white, and they’re available from any major wine-producing country. Each of them is unique, but they’re all rewarding and celebratory. How about ending the night with a sweet note?

Sauternes 1er Cru Classé 2004 – Château Suduiraut and “Dolce” Napa Valley 2013 – Far Niente