Tuesday, February 6, 2024

In Pursuit of Love in Bottle: 5 to try this Valentine's Day!

Whether you are looking to treat your sweetheart or yourself, Valentine’s Day is a time to show your partner how much you care about them, but also a good opportunity to Wine indulge! Here are 5 recommendations that will surely impress your loved ones, besides being perfect pairings for any romantic meal.

Any Valentine’s should start with a fantastic sparkling wine, such as this Bichot Crémant Rosé NV, a delicious Crémant de Bourgogne, featuring a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay grapes. It displays fruitful raspberry and strawberry notes, with a touch of zesty citrus and brioche hints. Elegant and crisp, its lively mousse linger into a lovely finish. $31

Crios Sustentia Chardonnay 2022 is an alternative for white wine lovers, but also for those that are trying to lose weight or who want to consume less alcohol this year. This wine has only 9% Abv vs your regular 14% of most wines and only 90 calories per glass, but all of the flavor! Made by Susana Balbo the top female winemaker of Argentina, this refreshing white is made from 100% Chardonnay from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, showcasing tropical notes of pineapple and mango and refreshing floral hints. $18.99

In the mood for something spicy? Try the Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Primitivo 2020 from Puglia, a 100% Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) red. Velvety and mouth filling, it displays blackberry and raisins with hints of licorice, chocolate and spicy cinnamon. Certified organic, it has very balanced alcohol, surprisingly as most Zinfandels I have ever tasted were usually 16% and up and overripe; which makes this wine not only refreshing but truly different. $15.99

Are you feeling extra romantic? Yet your wine palate tends more to the classic blends? Try Château Amour 2016,  an expressive Médoc (Bordeaux) red featuring equal parts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A classic and very seductive wine shows flavorful black/red currants and plum notes, with tobacco and savory coffee hints.  Polished  and medium-bodied, it integrates fruit, acidity and very supple tannins. Bonus, this a Bordeaux true value at only $22. 

And finally, Calcu Fotem Cabernet Sauvignon 2018,  a powerbomb with lots of personality and style from Colchagua, Chile. It shows explosive black cherries and plums with a touch of herbal green pepper notes. Very textured and structured with a solid length and nice cigar box hints on the finish.  $55


 Hoping you will soon give all these a try. Happy Valentine’s Day to all, cheers! Silvina.

#Valentine’sDay #thoughtsoflawina #Valentine’swines #drinkupamerica