By David Setley
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. Perhaps you want to select a wine or two that perfectly complements your meal and, along the way, shows your Valentine just how perfect a pair the two of you are. Read on for a few recommendations that will help you express the thoughtfulness and love you are trying to communicate to your mate through wine.
Let’s start with seafood. Southern New Jersey offers outstanding oysters and other shellfish. Whether as an appetizer or a meal, oysters, lobster, clams, crab, or shrimp can be a romantic dinner choice. Sauvignon Blanc is the classic wine that pairs perfectly with shellfish. New Zealand has earned its place on the wine map with the excellent Sauvignon Blancs produced in the Marlborough region. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, Winemaker’s Select 2022 vintage, is an excellent choice as a zesty and vibrant wine with notes of citrus and passionfruit.Sounds like Valentine’s Day to me! An alternative could be a Riesling from the Alsace region of France. My favorite is the Pierre Sparr Alsace Riesling. The citrus is light with the added aroma of white wildflowers. Either of these wines would also be a great choice for a vegetarian meal.
If your seafood of choice is white fish, such as halibut or flounder, Chardonnay is a classic pairing. There are many Chardonnay options, but I would go straight to the French section of the wine store, where wines of this varietal are produced to perfection. Jean-Paul Brun – Terres Dorées Chardonnay Beaujolais Blanc 2020 is an outstanding example. This dry white wine is crisp and fresh with notes of tree fruits and the classic buttery texture of a Chardonnay. This is a great choice if you do not like your Chardonnay to be too oaky, as it is aged in steel tanks and concrete. Chardonnay is also a great choice for chicken or pork menus.
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. Daou Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon Special Select 2021 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. Or, if you want to go Old World, Chateau Carbonneau – La Verriere 2020 from the right bank of Bordeaux, France will make your partner say, “Oui, Oui!” This rich, flavorful red is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Chateau Carbonneau produces only 400 cases of this wine each year, and only in years of good vintages. We are in luck. The 2020 vintage was great and is available. Either of these choices also pair well with other beef dinners, from braised short ribs to brisket, to pot roast.
If you are having an Italian meal with red sauce (or gravy, as some call it), I use the rule “drink what you are eating!” Italian food equals Italian wine. For pasta marinara, lasagna, manicotti, etc., my choice is a fine Chianti. Ruffino – Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale is a moderately priced Chianti that truly over-delivers. The nose and pallet are 100% Italian earthiness with hints of cherry, tobacco, and white pepper. It is the perfect pairing for an Italian Valentine’s meal.
The “drink what you are eating” rule also works if you are going with a Mexican-style menu. For a beef-based meal, try an Argentinian Malbec such as Bodega El Esteco – Don David Reserve Malbec 2020. Or, for a chicken or fish based dinner, Neboa – Albarino 2020 from Rios Baixas, Spain is perfect.
For Chinese or Indian meals, especially the spicier options, I love a rosé. Yes, I know it is winter and many put this varietal in storage until warmer months, but rosé is perfect any day when the food choices call for it. Domaine Olga Raffault – Chinon Rose 2021 from Chinon, in the Loire Valley of France is a great option. 100% Cabernet Franc, the most prolific red grape of this particular region, is used to produce this wine. The result is an exotic, flavorful rosé that is dry and more full-bodied than you might expect. An exotic wine for a more exotic Valentine’s meal.
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.
