Just what makes a good Valentine’s Day wine?
The answer could well be: The wine that’s in your glass. Buying wines for Valentine’s Day of all things, shouldn’t be stressful. But the wines you choose should be worthy, even fun, maybe a bit of a splurge and possibly even a bit naughty. In the end, Valentine wines also come down to the food. That in itself can prove challenging, especially if artichoke or asparagus happen to number among your favourite aphrodisiacs (when in doubt, think bubbles). Here’s a few wines of all kinds to put a little sizzle in your Valentine’s.
The sparklers
OK, I give in, if there’s one time of year when it pays to think pink, it’s at Valentine’s.
Bottega Spumante Gold Brut Rosé: You can’t get more pink than this, as it comes in a rose gold bottle. Inside you get a truly pretty strawberry-toned sparkler, with a lovely, persistent mousse that’s very food-friendly (BCLS $26.49).
Meanwhile, back in B.C.:
Intrigue Wines’ Sparkling “I Do” is another pretty in pink drop that comes in a frosted bottle. This good-value, off-dry Okanagan Charmat method sports apple and stone fruit on top before a lively, fruit-driven palate that’s buoyed up by Riesling ($20-$22, private stores).
And for serious bubble:
Louis De Sacy Grand Cru Brut Rosé: Excellent non-vintage Champagne from a premium smaller producer; pretty salmon in the glass, vibrant and cherry notes, quite wine-like with a definite mineral streak and dry finish. Sip it with chilled cracked crab, or in bed, or both (91 points, BCLS $61).
The oyster wine
Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2015: Lifted gooseberry and tropical tones with a juicy, zesty citrus palate, generous mouthfeel and lengthy end. Easy-drinking good value Kiwi Sauv Blanc, at BCLS ($19, 89 points).
Bordertown Gruner Veltliner 2015: This rare Gruner from the Okanagan sports tropical notes with a touch of honey before a fresh and clean palate with lime and citrus hints over a stony streak with mineral edge ($25 private stores).
Red Rooster Riesling 2015: Arguably the best value Riesling out of the Okanagan; varietally correct, with citrus, orchard and floral notes on top, before a lively citrus and tropical palate with brisk minerality and a crisp finish ($15, 90 points).
Salmon or pasta perfect
Spierhead Pinot Noir 2015 (Okanagan): Light- to medium-bodied Pinot yields strawberry and earthy notes with good fruit intensity, savoury undertones, well-managed oak and approachable tannins through the close ($25 private wine stores, 91 points).
The meat of the matter
Mascota Unanime 2012 (Uco Valley, Argentina): This blend of Cab Sauv and Cab Franc with just a touch of Malbec yields up-front blackberry fruits with good structure and elegance wrapped in luscious layers of pepper spice, damson and cassis, above approachable tannins through an elegant finish. Excellent value at BCLS $29 (93 points).
Tim Pawsey writes online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. [email protected]
