5 WINES YOU’LL LOVE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!
To learn about 5 MORE cool wines you should buy if you want to try something new and interesting, click here!
Well, we’ve made it to February folks. In some ways, it barely seems as if New Years just transpired and yet here we are, looking at Valentine’s Day this week! Hunh, what? Time flies, as they say.
Whether or not you celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th (or Galentine’s Day the day before - even better!), it’s hard to avoid the pink-sweet-festive spirit this month. Are you into rom-coms? Candied hearts? Boxes of chocolates? How about overpriced roses? We’re inundated with all this in the month of February whether we like it or not. And clearly, Valentine’s Day is not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re reading this blog post, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that Valentine’s Day certainly present an opportunity and excuse to enjoy some good wine!
So, it is with Valentine’s Day in mind that I’ve curated my most recent selection of 5 wines that you definitely need to try this week! My list is based on the LCBO’s most recent Vintages release (February 6, 2021 release date) and has a focus on wines that are perfect for a cozy and sultry mood. All of the wines that I have selected should be available in major markets and online, across the globe.
If you’re a reader that is located in Ontario like myself, it’s worth noting that this most recent LCBO’s Vintages release includes 75 wines with a focus on Italian wines. Below are a few of the wines that I think are worth your time and money.
I say this all the time but it’s worth repeating - I don’t get paid to recommend any of these wines. I only do so only because I personally find them compelling so you can count on the fact that I truly think they are worth your time. Now let’s get to it!
NOTE - If you’re shopping at the LCBO, remember that product availability will vary from location to location, and not all products last very long. Click the links below to check availability at your preferred store, or online.
All images below are taken from the LCBO website.
MY TOP FIVE PICKS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY…OR A NOD TO IT!
2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir $59.95 LCBO Product #212076
If you know me, you know I’m a fan of Belle Glos single vineyard pinot noir. There is some serious pedigree behind these wines. These wines definitely have California flair, with full ripe fruit and intense spice flavours and this example is no exception.
Expect this wine to be intense, rich and spicy with a long finish. It would be the perfect pairing with a cozy fire and a blanket on a cold night. This wine will likely benefit from some decanting - I’d suggest giving it about an hour before drinking it.
94 points - Wine Enthusiast
2018 Viu Manent Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon $16.95 Product #569673
Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon offers incredible value, especially when you find the right one. There is no doubt that this is one of the good ones. This wine represents really great value at this price point. Made with fruit from a vineyard that was planted 100 years old, this is a rich and spicy wine that is sure to delight your senses. And guess what? It’s vegan too!
Pair with grilled red meat, for example steak in a herb sauce.
2019 Domane Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Gruner Veltliner $18.95 Product #31534
Are you wishing you were somewhere else more tropical? Whisk yourself (and your loved one, if applicable!) to a warmer climate with this Gruner Veltliner.
A full bodied white wine from Austria, this wine will have ample tropical notes such as mango, papaya and lemon and also ample acidity. You can pair this wine with white meat, baked or steamed fish and even not-so-spicy asian food.
A big bonus? This wine is only 12.5% ABV so you can drink more before you feel it! :)
92 points - James Suckling
2018 Enrico Serafino Picotener Langhe Nebbiolo $41.95 Product #12736
If you haven’t had Nebbiolo, you’re missing out. And if you’re already a fan, then you know the incredible value there is to be had in Langhe Nebbiolo. This wine is especially enthralling because it is made from an ancient but almost forgotten sub-variety of Nebbiolo and is truly one of a kind.
I wrote about this wine as one of my Wine Wednesday selections.
Deeply perfumed and very complex, this wine is gorgeous. You can smell it for a long time and not get bored! The perfect pairing for pasta or grilled meat.
92 points - decanter.com
2016 Villa Antinori Riserva Chianti Classico $30.95 Product #540971
Made by a famed producer, this Chianti Classico should offer some depth and complexity beyond a typical example from the region. Made primarily from Sangiovese, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine will make the perfect match for pasta with tomato sauce, beef chili or mushroom steaks.
This wine can also be aged for many years to come, should you wish to buy a few bottles to hold on to!
93 points - winespectator.com
92 points - robertparker.com
92 points - James Suckling
And there you have it - my top wine picks for Valentine’s Day, or whatever you celebrate this week! I hope you find something to buy and enjoy from this list. I’d love to hear all about it if you do!
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