Romantic Wines for Late Winter & Valentine’s Day

Love is in the Air and on the Palate

Let’s dive into romantic wines!

After many years of reflecting on wine pairing for Valentine’s Day, I have come to the conclusion that the joy is not only to give the bottle but to experience the bottle. Wine is more than just a beverage; it’s an experience. This Valentine’s Day is a good day to start elevating your gift-giving by curating a complete sensory journey. Pair your chosen wine with a thoughtfully selected dish that complements its flavors. Imagine the crisp acidity of a rosé enhancing meaty white fresh scallops or the rich tannins of a red wine mingling with the savory notes of dark chocolate. It’s about creating a moment, a shared experience that transcends the ordinary.

But don’t get me wrong, Valentine’s can also be a bittersweet day for many if we can’t be with the one we love. While sharing wine with a loved one is a beautiful expression of affection, don’t forget the most important love of all: self-love. This Valentine’s Day, if solo, indulge in a bottle that speaks to you. Take a moment to savor the aromas, appreciate the flavors, and simply enjoy the pleasure of your own company. Pour yourself a glass, light some candles, and curl up with a good book or movie. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself and celebrate the wonderful person you are.

Wether in love or solo love the wine you are with. To experience romantic wines like never before, I have some recommendations for delicious food pairings.

Rosé Romance: Sophisticated Sipping

These sophisticated pink hues of Rosé offer depth, complexity, and surprising versatility, making them ideal for cooler months and holidays, especially Valentine’s Day.

Domaines Ott, Étoile Rosé 2023

Étoile Rosé 2023

Tasting Notes:

This radiant rosé boasts a delicate peachy hue with pearly highlights. Aromatic white peach, citrus notes, and a hint of tarragon mingle with fine minerality. The palate is exceptionally silky, with vibrant energy and flavors of pomelo, strawberry, and sweet lemon, finishing with a subtle spice. I was particularly impressed by the lingering finish and the complex layers of flavor. Suggested retail price $175.

Why We Love It?

Étoile Rosé 2023 transcends the typical summer rosé. Its rich texture, complexity, and aging potential make it a luxurious choice for winter celebrations and a truly special Valentine’s Day gift.

Valentine’s Day Pairing

This elegant rosé pairs beautifully with a decadent seafood dinner, like lobster or scallops, or a rich, creamy pasta dish.  For a lighter yet equally impressive pairing, try these Easy Salmon Tostadas:

Easy Salmon Tostadas Recipe

Easy Salmon Tostadas
Easy Salmon Tostadas

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound skinless salmon fillet
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Jalapeño Ranch (recipe below)
  • Pickled Onions (recipe below)

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Season salmon with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Transfer salmon to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
  • While salmon is baking, warm tortillas according to package directions.
  • Flake salmon with a fork.
  • Assemble tostadas: Top each tortilla with mashed avocado, flaked salmon, cotija cheese, cilantro, Jalapeño Ranch, and Pickled Onions.
Salmon Tostadas
Salmon Tostadas with homemade ranch dressing and pickled onions.

Jalapeño Ranch Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • You can use Trader Joe’s Ranch Spice for a shortcut and skip all the herbs. Just add the minced jalapenos.

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pickled Onions Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Mix the vinegar, water, and salt in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil. Add a pinch of sugar if you wish.
  • Add sliced red onion and remove from heat.
  • Let sit for at least 30 minutes before using.

Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé

Tasting Notes

Fine, even bubbles dance in the glass, releasing notes of red berries (blackcurrant, raspberry) and citrus. The palate is bursting with vivacity and freshness.

Why We Love It?

This Crémant offers the celebratory sparkle of well elaborate method traditionelle Sparkling wine but with a Burgundian elegance and zero aftertaste. Its bright red fruit flavors and refreshing acidity make it

Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé
Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé

Valentine’s Day Pairing

Perfect as an aperitif, or pair it with light appetizers, charcuterie, or even a decadent chocolate dessert.

Jansz Tasmania Premium Rosé

Jansz Tasmania Premium Rosé

Tasting Notes

This Tasmanian bubbly is a revelation. Surprise yourself or your loved one with a unique discovry from Australia. This Australian bubbly delights with aromas of strawberries and cream, rose petals, and fresh brioche. The creamy texture and richness add to its elegance This rosé reminded me a very well done Champagne. I can’t believe I haven’t tried this Sparkling before!

Why We Love It?

Jansz proves that Tasmania is a serious contender in the sparkling wine world. This rosé is luxurious and flavorful, offering exceptional value.

Valentine’s Day Pairing:

Ideal for brunch with your loved one, a “girls’ night in,” or while enjoying a romantic movie marathon.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV

Tasting Notes:

This best-selling Champagne offers flavors of red currant, blueberry, raspberry, and a hint of wild strawberry. It was my first time trying it and I loved the wild strawberry notes and hint of cherries lingering in the palate.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé NV

Why We Love It?

A romantic Champagne choice, perfect for celebrating special moments. The packaging also adds to its allure and the label can conquer your lover in an instant with its modern elegance.

Valentine’s Day Pairing:

A medium bold Champagne is the perfect aperitif to start a romantic evening or pair with light charcuterie board leaded by a creamy cheese or appetizers.

Côté Mas Crémant De Limoux Rosé Brut NV

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of honeysuckle, peach, and apricot lead to a palate of grapefruit and blood orange.

Côté Mas Crémant De Limoux Rosé Brut NV
Côté Mas Crémant De Limoux Rosé Brut NV

Why We Love It:

A high-quality, affordable alternative to other quality sparkling Champagnes. We love the bottle and everything what the producer of this wine represent, rural luxury in a glass. You get an elegant affordable bubbly wine and if you want to spoil your bae you can even get a case for less than $200 bucks.

Valentine’s Day Pairing:

It is versatile enough and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Enjoy as an appetizer or with fruit tart.

Red Wine Romance: Warmth and Passion

For those who prefer a deeper hue, these red wines offer dark fruit notes and a bit more body in the palate and complexity. Real, messy, human love isn’t always about grand gestures; it’s often found in quiet moments of connection, like sharing a bottle of wine.

Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2020

Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2020 ($30)
Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore from the land of Romeo and Juliet exudes romanticism

Tasting Notes:

This dark, ruby red wine boasts notes of spice, pepper, leather, and black currants. It’s complex, refined, smooth, and sultry.

Why We Love It:

This is the most perfect romantic red wine. From the land of Romeo and Juliet, this Ripassa is inherently romantic. Its rich flavors and smooth texture make it perfect for a cozy night in.

Valentine’s Day Pairing:

Ideal for a candlelit dinner or paired with a box of assorted chocolates.

Mommessin Grandes Mises Saint-Amour 2023


Mommessin Grandes Mises Saint-Amour 2023 -img_2650-1
Mommessin Grandes Mises Saint-Amoour is a good wine for romantic evening

Tasting Notes

This Cru Beaujolais offers spicy aromas with complex notes of cherry and iris. It has ample structure, silky tannins, and a long finish.

Why We Love It

Named after the village of Saint-Amour (Saint Love), this wine embodies a romantic wine. Its fruity and complex profile makes it a delightful choice.

Valentine’s Day Pairing:

Pair well with roasted chicken, duck, or mushroom risotto. Try a gourmet burger with caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese for a more casual yet equally delicious pairing.

This Valentine’s Day, let the wine do the talking. Choose a bottle that speaks to your heart and share it with someone special. Cheers to love, laughter, and unforgettable moments!

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Romantic Wines for Late Winter & Valentine's Day
Romantic Wines for Late Winter & Valentine’s Day

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