4 Wines To Buy for Valentine’s Day…and What To Do With Them!
It’s that time of year again when love is in the air.
I know Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, whether you are in a relationship or not. For some, it’s a just another silly day designed to make us spend gobs of money that we don’t need to. And I get that. At times, the overpriced greeting cards, flowers and prix-fixe menus, along with the endless advertisements showcasing gob-smacked lovers everywhere you turn can be really over the top.
But you know what? I still like to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I’m not going to lie :) But I like a more low-key version at home, with good wine and good food (and maybe a bouquet of flowers too, lol!). I assume a lot of you might too.
And thus, it’s with this in mind that I’ve put together this post. My hope is that you will find something below that will make for a special Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day….or any other day that you feel like relaxing and enjoying yourself for that matter!) for you and/or a loved one. The focus below is not only on good wines but also on what they will pair well with, to make an overall relaxing, enjoyable and noteworthy experience.
Cheers!
4 Valentine’s Day Wine and Wine Pairing Ideas!
2020 McManis Chardonnay $19.95 Product #265983
Make it stand out
Would you rather hang out and watch a movie than brave the crowds? Then I’ve got the idea for you! Pick out your favourite movie and light up a candle or the fireplace to set the mood. Then, pop up a batch of buttery popcorn and enjoy it with this Chardonnay!
Made in a rich and creamy style, this Chardonnay’s buttery and creamy profile, coupled with its acidity, will make for a surprisingly satisfying combo with buttered popcorn.
Not a fan of homemade microwave popcorn? Here’s an easy recipe for buttery movie theatre popcorn that you can easily make at home!
2016 Clos Des Saumanes Gadagne $17.95 Product #20948
Make it stand out
Do you love dark chocolate truffles as much as I do? If so, then this wine pairing is for you!
This dry but rich and full bodied wine will make for an intriguing pairing with dark chocolate truffles - one that is not overly sweet but rather, complex and sensual. The dark notes of this wine from the Rhone Valley of France are what pair well with the dark notes of that chocolate that we all love so much.
Besides, we are talking about dark chocolate and red wine, which is healthy, right? ;-)
If you want to go the extra mile and make your chocolate truffles at home, check out this amazing recipe!
2020 Darting Durkheimer Nonnengarten Gewurztraminer Kabinett $19.95 Product #944181
Make it stand out
If you’re a fan of spicy food like I am, then this is the wine for you. Hailing from Germany, this is a sweeter wine but not annoyingly so because it has very good acidity to counterbalance the sweetness. The flavour profile of this wine makes it a wonderful pairing for spicy dishes. Order some food in, or make it yourself, and enjoy the evening with this beautiful wine!
Looking for a cool new recipe to try to pair with this wine? Give this budget spicy noodles recipe a try! Or if you’re in my neck of the woods, you can order something in from one of my favourite Indian restaurants in Toronto!
2019 Pian Delle Vigne Rosso di Montalcino $29.95 Product #467787
Make it stand out
This one is for those who don’t want to muck around and just want to enjoy a nice glass of wine. I’ve got you too! ;-)
This is a lovely lighter style made by a very well regarded producer from the Tuscany region of Italy. Made primarily from the Sangiovese grape, which is also used to make great wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, this wine is warming and expressive and has plenty of earth and spice notes.
And of course, the red label just screams “love is in the air”, doesn’t it? Sorry, I can’t help myself….
If you are inclined to pair this wine with something, go for salumi, black olives and a hard, mature cheese….yum!
And there you have it! Easy-peasy ideas for Valentine’s Day….or any other day that you want to treat yourself or someone you care about. And remember - Valentine’s Day or not, love is the most important thing in our lives so always make time for it. And love yourself first - always! xoxo
Cheers!