"Supreme Wines for Valentines"

   This is the month we celebrate love and affection between companions and what better way to make it a hit than with a nice bottle of wine. Whether you stay home and cook, go out or order take out, these wines are sure to please. I have included dry and sweet wines so as to cover all tastes and a variety of foods and deserts. Recently I tasted two exceptional reds from California that are must tries for all cab and merlot lovers. These wines drink great on their own but will pair magnificent with steaks and roasts. If you are looking for a versatile full bodied white for seafood or chicken then the Viognier I've included from South Africa is for you. This wine was a hit at the South African class held at the Learning Center last spring.
 

On a more celebratory note I put in two sweet sparklers from Italy that will go great with lighter deserts, for toasts or just to sip on in the candle light. Remember that the most perfect wine for this holiday is one that you both enjoy and if you have a personnel favorite or a bottle that has special meaning then by all means grab that one.

Here are some favorites of mine for Valentine's.

1)    Bristle Wines Viognier 2010, South Africa - Lorna Hughes makes excellent low production wines at very reasonable prices. This 100% Viognier has wonderful aromatics of marzipan and stone fruits. Flavors of nectarines and peaches coat the palate with a nice weight and balance. Very versatile with an array of foods, but great with shrimp, scallops or roast chicken.

2)    Fidelity Red 2007, California - This wine comes from one of the finest vineyards in Alexander Valley(Crazy Creek Estate). The wine is 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc. 18 months in oak adds to the wines roundness and complexity. Enticing aromas of cherry and spice float out of the glass. Mouthwatering flavors of blackberry and more cherries fill the mouth with a velvety softness reminiscent of a wine triple its price. Elegant with a long finish. This wine is made by the famous New Zealander winemaker Nick Goldschmidt and low in production. Only 3400 cases made. Get it while you can! Pair with a juicy Rib eye, Parmigiano Reggiano or roast. 

3)    Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California - This all Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is mind blowing for the money. It's also coming from the fabulous "07" vintage. Another killer red that tastes like a wine well beyond its price tag. The wine has a deep dark red color. Aromatics of blackberry, licorice and vanilla fill the air. Flavors of plums, dark fruits, mocha and a hint of coffee fill the mouth. Lush and long wanting me to take another sip. A case buy for the serious cab drinker. Drinks great now but has another 3 to 4 years lay down potential. Pair with roast leg of lamb, Fillet Mignon or sip with friends.

4)    Tosti Bracato, Italy - The grapes for this wine are sourced from the famous Asti region of northern Italy. The wine is comprised of Moscato, Brachetto and Pinot Noir. Brilliant dark pink color radiates in the glass. Aromas of fresh strawberries and violets float out of the glass. Flavors of raspberries and cherries fill the mouth with a semi- sweetness. Full sparkling and refreshing. Great with light deserts, fresh fruits or celebrations.

5)    Mondoro Asti, Italy - If you love the Moscato grape and want a full sparkling wine this one's for you. This wine is considered one of the greatest examples from Asti and has great balance and a nice sweetness. Aromas of honeysuckle and stone fruits fill the glass. Ripe sweet flavors of peaches and pears fill the mouth with a crisp refreshing acidity. Pair with cheesecake, salty cheeses or sip on its own.                      
 

Happy Valentine's Day,

Sommelier

Jeff Anderson