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Have you ever heard the old expression Philly is for lovers? Well as we embark on yet another Valentine’s Day in 2020, many of you are undoubtedly in the process of scurrying around to plan that great evening out with your significant other. Whether you’re treating your date to a live theatrical production, a great new movie release, a fabulous trip, a great meal prepared by a world renowned chef, or just staying in, there is one thing you’ll probably be faced with at some point before the evening is over. What wines best represent Valentine’s Day?
While the question may seem novel to most, for others it poses a daunting task of trying to make sure an otherwise perfect evening isn’t wrecked because the wrong wine is selected. As my fellow oenophiles are aware, planning a great evening is all about the details and a wine can make or break the greatest of occasions; leaving you feeling like a failure and otherwise deflated. It’s almost like showing up to an expensive wine tasting event with boxed wine (no slight on my box wine oenophiles out there, but that wouldn’t be the place for boxed wine. I’m sure you get my drift)!
If you’re stumped about what to purchase here are some suggestions that may make navigating the dreaded Valentine’s Day a success. And your date will definitely be impressed because you paid attention to the details.
Champagne
There is no doubt that Champagne goes with everything. There are occasions where nothing but champagne will do. Whether you’re pairing it with chicken, beef, Pad Thai, or chocolate cake, Champagne will always be a Valentine’s Day favorite. Champagne takes everyone to their happy place from the popping of the cork to experiencing its effervescence and light impact on the nose and tongue.
One of my personal favorites is Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial. It’s enticing, spontaneous, fruity, bubbly, playful, classy and experienced; just like your date (hopefully)! It has a mature texture that plays on the tongue just like that symphony you’ll be listening to with your date. The bouquet consists of bright red fruits like cherry, strawberry and raspberry. It reflects the diversity of the grapes from which it’s made. Not only is the taste fantastic, the pink color seduces you into pulling out your wallet and slamming it down on the fine linen table cloth in front of your date, who’ll no doubt be impressed with your knowledge.
Rose
Rose wines have come a long way since their inception. Earlier Rose wine making techniques involved pressing both red and white grapes after harvest with very little soaking time. Pressing was done by hand and feet, which resulted in the juice that was lightly pigmented pink from the skins of red grapes. Modern day Rose is created from crushing red grapes and afterwards leaving the skins, seeds and stems to soak with the juice, through a process called maceration. This produces the pink hue you see in Rose wines.
One of my favorite Rose wines is Sancerre. This French wine, made from the Pinot Noir varietal, is grown in soil that consists of flint and limestone, giving it a slight mineral essence. Aging can take anywhere from four to six months in the tank and the result is a delightful,
flavorful wine consisting of hints of cherry and strawberry. This is an elegant, dry wine that matches more light dishes such as fish, salads and pastas with light sauces.
Reisling
Reislings have long held reputations for being great wines. They aren’t as heavy as Chardonnay and they are slightly heavier on the tongue than pinot gris or sauvignon blanc. The flavors are bright, airy, citrusy with a hint of sweetness.
Cupcake Reisling is a favorite that never disappoints. And the price is playful too. At around the $10 range, this one will not break the bank. You can even splurge for two bottles that will last as you and your date imbibe and reminisce about the night you first met each other and shared your first kiss. You’ll definitely get more kisses having this wine in your repertoire.
Syrah
Syrah is always a great wine to drink by itself or pair with foods. For some it is one of the few that works with comfort foods; especially since Valentine’s Day happens during the colder months. Syrah is usually darker than Cabernet Sauvignon. It is often great with all types of roasted and grilled meats and can also pair well with a flourless chocolate cake for dessert. You’ll leave your dinner not feeling as heavy as a Cabernet, but just as fulfilled.
My go to is Cline Syrah. At around $20 it offers flavors of coffee and berry with a slight peppery finish on the tongue. While deeply colored and flavorful, it does not assault your senses but has a great complex finish that will definitely satisfy your tongue…and your date.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a major black grape varietal and it’s principally cultivated to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But it is also a great varietal on its own. This wine is lighter in color than Cabernet Sauvignon and its aroma encompasses tobacco, raspberry, cassis and violets.
One of my favorites is the Duckhorn Cabernet Franc. This Napa Valley winery produces some great wines period. The Cab Franc is sophistication in a glass. It has notes of dark cherry, raspberry, red currants and tobacco. A bit on the pricier side at $70, it’s sure to be a Valentine’s Day favorite.
I could go on and on about wines that would make your Valentine’s Day special, but ultimately it’s not the wine that will make it so - It’s the person you’ll be sharing this day with. This list is just a hint at what’s out there to add to the ambiance of whatever you have planned for your significant other on this special day.
I am hopeful that each of you experience the love and happiness that come with enjoying a great bottle of wine and sharing it with the one you love. Until then, drink responsibly and enthusiastically!