Valentine's Day Wines

Banfi's Rosa Regale is always a welcome Valentine wine.  Not only does it bring the day's color themes to the table in a vibrant rendition, it is an amazing accompaniment to all things chocolate (the the darker the better, in my opinion).  This bright pink wine from Italy's well-loved Piedmont region has a devoted following. It is a red sparkling wine that is sweet and subtle with the lush flavors of ripe raspberry and juicy strawberry. Consider giving this wine a run with chocolate-based desserts, fresh fruit and pecan pie.

It's not everyday that you get to crack open a Sauternes, a delicious dessert wine from Bordeaux, made primarily from the white wine grapes of Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc.  However, Valentine's Day is a great excuse to sample this sweet treat.  This Sauternes brings lovely honeyed citrus fruit, wrapped in sweet, warm spice to the table.  Pair the Château Caillou Sauternes with anything from Roquefort cheese to custards, fruit tortes and cherry or apple cobblers. 

Italians have a long legacy of love, from Verona’s Romeo and Juliet to Venice’s famed Casanova, there’s no doubt that they’ve got it going on when it comes to amore! To satisfy the search for an Italian red wine this Valentine's Day, look no further than Ruffino’s Chianti Superiore – full of Sangiovese’s fresh cherry flavor and good bit of warm spice, this medium-bodied wine has a fairly smooth mouth feel with a focus on both balance and elegance. At a mere $12 a pop and enjoying wide distribution, this particular wine from Tuscany is a winner with aged cheese (think Parmesan), tomato-based sauces and a variety of sausages.

Another famous dessert wine, this time from Hungary.  This particlular Tokaji is the rich, full-flavored epitomy of Notting Hill's "apricots soaked in honey" with a nutty nuance playing in the background.  Stunning from start to finish and priced for everyone to experience.  Pair with creme brulee, chocolate delights, and foie gras.

A zesty blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre that brings some terrific red berry to the forefront.  An easy wine to find and even easier to drink.  Give it a go with a variety of red meat favorites this Valentine's.

Always a delight, Eroica is the delicious off-dry Riesling offspring born of a partnership between two prominent Riesling estates, Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington and Germany's Dr. Loosen from the famed Mosel wine growing region. Guaranteed to be a palate pleaser from start to finish, the Eroica Riesling brings beautiful balance, unmatched elegance and food-friendly acidity to every sip.  A versatile wine find for Valentine's Day - think sushi.

For those looking for a wine and chocolate experience to remember on Valentine’s, check out the Sandeman’s 20-Year-Old Port - delivering the sweet, rich full-flavors of honeyed almonds and a touch of fig and caramel on the palate. Port is the perfect partner for high-end Valentine's Day chocolate.