Last week I was dining at a friend's house where we ate a fantastic Italian dinner prepared by his wife. Man I love me some Italian food! Meatballs, sausage, steak, and pepperoni sitting in this huge pot of sauce for hours and then poured over ziti! Anyway, throughout the conversation we began talking about Valentine's day and how the economy has changed some plans for this year. So inspired by one of the most romantic guys I know, Dan, my post for today will be about my favorite picks for Valentine's day. Just because you are choosing to have a a nice romantic evening at home doesn't mean you have to skimp on the wine.
Valentine's day bring to mind some of the most romantic places in the world, France, Italy, Spain and of course their influences on wine making around the world. France known for its Bordeaux and Burgundy, Italy for its Sangiovese and Barolo and Spain of course for its gorgeous Riojas! In the spirit of love and romance this month, we are going to get to know some of the most romantic wines from these countries. Every week Ill add a new post from a new country and region starting today with Bordeaux.
Bordeaux wines have captured the hearts of wine enthusiast around the world. Whether its a full bodied red or a soft refreshing white, you can call it an all occasion wine that can be paired with many different foods or on its own any evening. Now its import to note that French wines are named for their region. Bordeaux is located in the southwest of France near the Atlantic ocean. This region produces Reds, Dry white wines and sweet or dessert wines. Bordeaux is the number one producer of Merlot and Cabernet grapes, however it also produces Sauvignon Blanc. The wine varieties from these grapes include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Most Bordeaux wines are blends of different grapes. These blends of grapes help to balance the wine to create a wonderful taste.
Bordeaux offer an exceptional quality wine for small dollars. You can get great wines for 8-25 dollar a bottle. French labels can be confusing but an easy way to tell a high quality Bordeaux is to look for the initials AOC or AC which denotes the highest quality of french wine. Wines with these initials must adhere to very strict qualities and laws by the french government which oversees production.
Now that you have learned something about French wines, back to Valentine's day. Im going to call this Dan's Valentine's day compliments, since these wines are sure to compliment any night with your sweetheart:
Whats Valentines day without a bottle of bubbly? and I dont mean champagne, how about a fantastic Italian prosecco? Prosecco is better known for being the main ingredient in a Bellini and is now very popular as a cheaper alternative to champagne. Serve chilled and typically as an aperitif but if your like me, great at any time.
For the meal what about an incredible Pinot Noir? I have recently become a huge fan of Pinot Noir, Beautiful red coloring and big fruit flavors. Pinot Noir meaning Black Pine is named because the grape is very dark in color and forms a pine cone shape as it grows, it produces some of the best wines in the world. Making Oregon famous for its production, it is also now being showcased in other areas most notably in New York along the Niagara escarpment. The Warm Lake Estates quickly comes to mind.
Laslty for any of you haven't had the pleasure, a bottle of Brachetto d Aqui with those chocolates you got or your favorite dessert. Brachetto is a grape from the Italian region of Piedmont, which produces a slightly sweet sparkling wine with tasty hints of strawberries.
Bottle recommendations for the above:
-Riondo Prosecco: light, fresh and fruity this wine give you 90 points of love for 10.00
-2007 Owen Roe Sharecroppers Pinot Noir: Another beauty from owen roe. Full of red cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, very soft tannins. An 87 point wine for about 17.00
-2007 Rosa Regale Brachetto d Aqui: I cant say enough about a awesome this wine is, so all Im going to say is go out and get a bottle you wont regret it especially when Im giving it 94 points for only 14.00
Now just like Dan you are ready for a romantic evening at home with your loved one. This Valentine's Day, whether you are buying for a group or the one you love, stock up and make everyday special with these selections.
Happy Valentine's Day
-A
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