As the old saying goes, nothing says “Be Mine,” like the perfect wine, and yet nothing perplexes us so much as which wine to buy and what to drink with what. Add to that the requisite chocolates and fancy dinners out, and we’re in a quandry.
Charlotte’s Master Sommelier Laura Maniec of Corkbuzz has three tips for picking the best Valentine’s Day wines. And since Corkbuzz offers HALF OFF ALL BOTTLES TO GO, including Champagne, with one of the QC’s most extensive wine lists, we’re counting on picking up a little something for after dinner, and the Netflix Altered Carbon / Babylon Berlin romantic binge at home we’ve got planned.
When Oysters Are on the Menu.
When, ahem, romance is on the mind, oysters are on the menu. (read up on the truth behind their aphrodisiac properties here, and why the month of February is #perfectiming). Oysters garnished with fresh squeezed lemon pair perfectly with a dry, mineral driven Champagne. The bubbles provide the perfect textural contrast to the smooth velvety texture of the oysters. If a dry, crisp white is more to your taste, Corkbuzz has dozens ~ check out their wine list here.
And There Must Be Bubbles.
Something sparkling is pretty much de rigueur for Valentine’s, but you don’t have to break the bank to find affordable and delicious sparkling wine options. Looking for a Champagne alternative? Try a Cava from Spain instead. Prosecco (an Italian sparkling wine made from the Glera grape) will be a lighter and more fruity & aromatic option.
Additionally, never shy away from something acidic and pink. A Sparkling Rose like the Patrick Bottex La Cueille Rosé NV from France has a bit of residual sugar, which would be perfect with chocolate covered strawberries.
Speaking of Sweets
Always pair a sweet dessert with a wine that is equally as sweet. Try pairing dark chocolate truffles with a fruit driven, high alcohol port like the Quinta de la Rosa Lote 601 Ruby Port NV. Dark chocolate pairs perfectly with soft and silky red wines.
