Wine for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate romance, so selecting a wine to share should reflect the mood and the occasion!

Your first choice may be Champagne, but remember that there are many sparkling wines available to make an occasion special. In addition to Champagne (from the region), you can also choose from one of the eight Crémant regions in France. Crémant is made in the traditional method, which means it is the same process used for Champagne. The difference is the source of the grapes, and the grapes used to make the sparkling wine. The main grapes uses for Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, but other grapes, in small quantities, mat be used as well. For Crémant, each region designates the grapes that are allowed. For example, in Alsace, the largest exporter of Crémant to the United States, any of the region’s approved grapes can be used, but for the Crémant d’Alsace Rosé, only pinot noir can be used. If you prefer wine made from Chenin Blanc, then Crémant de Loire would be a good choice.

But, you are not limited to France to choose a sparkling wine. Many American sparkling wines are also made in the Traditional Method. In fact, both Mumm and Piper-Heidsieck (both Champagne producers in France) produce sparkling wine in America, Mumm Napa is produced in Napa Valley, and Piper Sonoma Sparkling is produced in Sonoma County. It is a popular belief that adding a strawberry to Champagne enhances the flavor, but some experts believe that the clash of flavors detracts from the champagne. You can judge that for yourself if you like.

While Champagne may be romantic (or at least expensive) unless you plan to drink a lot, you should probably consider what you will be eating for dinner on Valentine’s Day. If you are having seafood, you might opt to stick with sparkling, or a good white wine. Chardonnay is a good choice for lobster, or a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. With shrimp, consider how it is cooked. Shrimp is often served with a garlic and butter sauce, but some dishes have a red sauce, and some are spicy. So, let the sauce be your guide. Of course, you don’t have to follow the guidance of the experts, who are sometimes too picky. If you prefer red wine, I would suggest picking a lighter red, such as pinot noir, but tuna steak or grilled salmon can also match with a hardier red. My point, is that when having a special meal, don’t drink mediocre wine, select something special to match a special meal!

If you are having beef for dinner, then celebrate the day with a bold red wine. My suggestion would depend on the wines you enjoy drinking. If you prefer French reds, then you might select a Bordeaux that’s at least five years old (even better if it is more than seven years old), a good Red from Bourgogne, or perhaps a Chateauneuf-Du-Pape? Do you like Italian reds? Then an aged Barolo, or maybe a Super Tuscan? Of course, there are many fine red blends based on cabernet sauvignon from the Napa valley. Whatever you choose to eat, a fine meal deserves a fine wine to accompany the meal! Bon Appétit!