Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and many of us are looking to impress our significant other. Often a dinner, whether at home or at a favorite restaurant, is part of the plan. Allow me to offer suggestions of wines that would perfectly complement your meal and, just maybe, help you show your valentine how perfect a pair the two of you are!
One romantic dinner choice abundant in southern New Jersey includes oysters and other shellfish. Sauvignon blanc is the classic wine that pairs well with shellfish, and Sancerre, France is the home of the most elegant sauvignon blanc in the world. Domaine Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Blanc is certified organic and is a perfect example of why the wines of the Loire Valley appellation are so respected. The aroma and flavors are tropical citrus fruit and pineapple with hints of eucalyptus, followed by a fresh, mineral finish. New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc wines have become extremely popular as well. The Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc from the Marlborough region is an excellent choice as a zesty and vibrant wine with notes of citrus and grapefruit. Or, an alternative varietal to pair with seafood is a riesling. The Pierre Sparr Alsace riesling is light with the flavors of tree fruit, such as green apple or pear, with the added aroma of white wildflowers. Or try the Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof riesling from Mosel, Germany. This mineral-driven wine has the flavors of white peach and green apple with a flinty, slightly savory finish. Any of these wines will surely impress your shellfish-loving valentine.
If your seafood preference is fish, such as halibut, Chilean sea bass or flounder, or you would rather have chicken, pork or other white meat, chardonnay is a classic pairing. There are many chardonnay options, so consider the Flowers Winery Sonoma Coast chardonnay as the perfect accompaniment to a lovely bouquet of flowers. This California wine is a cool-climate wine, known for its bright, coastal-influenced profile. It features aromas and flavors of Meyer lemon, pear and white flowers, with savory notes of mineral, flint and a subtle oak. The wine finishes long and crisp, with hints of salinity that make it a classic pairing for white meats or fish. Or try the Balletto Vineyards Russian River chardonnay, available in both the traditional oaked and unoaked style. The Russian River appellation of the Sonoma Valley is revered by wine lovers, making this an excellent choice.
Alternatively, go to the French section of the wine store to access chardonnays that have been produced to perfection for centuries. The Philippe le Hardi Bourgogne Cote d’Or Monopole chardonnay demonstrates this varietal extremely well. The flavor is classic with notes of fresh white peach and citrus with a delicate touch of fresh hazelnut. This wine is well-balanced and the finish is long and refreshing. Or try the Simonnet-Febvre Chablis. Although many refer to Chablis as a varietal of wine, it is not. Chablis is a sub-region of Burgundy where chardonnay is also grown. If you have read my articles before, you have read the phrase, “terroir is everything!” Three factors of terroir make Chablis different from other sections of Burgundy. First, the climate is cooler, creating a lighter, more acidic grape. Second, the soil, which is prehistoric Kimmeridgian limestone, results in a more intensely mineral-driven flavor in the grapes. Finally, the tradition of Burgundy is to age Chardonnay wine in French oak. Chablis’ tradition is to age the wine in stainless steel, giving it a distinctively crisp, fruit-pure flavor. The Simonnet-Febvre Chablis is the perfect expression of these differences. Impress your valentine by bringing a bottle of each and sharing the importance of terroir in wine.
If a steak dinner is on your Valentine’s Day itinerary, cabernet sauvignon is the classic pick. The full-bodied richness of this varietal pairs well with a heavier meal. Cab options are nearly as limitless as your culinary options. I love what is happening in Paso Robles, California with this varietal, and Justin Vineyards — cabernet sauvignon is a reasonably priced and outstanding example. The deep color and rich flavor of this Bordeaux-inspired wine is excellent and will make your significant other think you spent much more than you actually did. Trefethen Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley is another excellent California cabernet sauvignon. Or, if you want to go Old World with the Chateau Laroze Labatisse Haut-Medoc or the Bousquet de Monbrison Margaux from the right bank of Bordeaux, France, your partner may say, “Oui, Oui!” Bordeaux red wines from the left bank, such as the wines recommended above, are typically Cabernet sauvignon-based wines blended with merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot or malbec. Truth be told, most California wines identified as cabernet sauvignon are not 100% cab, but are blends as well. California cabs tend to be more full-bodied, more fruit-forward with higher alcohol than the Bordeaux style wines, but both are a perfect pairing for a steak dinner with your valentine.
If you are having an Italian meal with red sauce, I abide by the rule “drink what you are eating!” Italian food equals Italian wine. For pasta marinara, lasagna, manicotti, etc., my choice is a fine Chianti from Tuscany. Ruffino-Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale is a moderately priced Chianti that truly over-delivers. The nose and palate are 100% Italian earthiness with hints of cherry, tobacco, and white pepper. It is the perfect pairing for an Italian Valentine’s meal. Or try the Fontanabianca Barbaresco from the Piedmonte of northern Italy. If you are having a mushroom-based dish like Chicken Marsala, this is the perfect pairing.
Your culinary choices are limitless; I hope this article has shown you that your wine choices are as well. Contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com with any questions or comments, or stop into the Somers Point store. Until next time, Happy Wining, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
