Winter continues to bear down, the hockey Blues are in full swing, and spring training is just around the corner, but this week the main event is Valentine’s Day. However you choose to celebrate it, Valentine’s Day is for lovers…lovers of wine.
If your plans include a romantic dinner I suggest starting the evening with a sparkling wine--there's no better vehicle to open up taste buds, enliven the palate, and begin a celebration. The moment you hear that iconic pop of the cork, the party officially begins. There are two sparkling wines I would recommend, and neither one will break the bank.
Duval Leroy Brut Champagne is 100% Chardonnay, light, fruity, dry and elegant. Perfect for a light appetizer, a salty cheese or calamari.
Should you should desire something a bit bolder, I would suggest the Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rosé. It’s 100% Pinot Noir, with strawberry and spicy notes. This wine would pair nicely with a beet salad or bruschetta.
In the world of French sparkling wine only those from the region of Champagne are allowed to use the name Champagne on its label. "Cremant" is a term used in other regions of France (like Alsace), to denote a sparkling wine. The term "Brut" means the wine is dry and therefore better suited as an apéritif. Either one will suffice here. The Duval Leroy is $49.99 at The Wine Barrel in Sunset Hills, Lukas Liquors in Ellisville or the four Wine and Cheese Place locations. The Lucien Albrecht Rosé is $19.99 at most wine stores; it's also on the wine list at Truffles in Ladue and Vin de Set on Chouteau.
Whether dining at home or at a restaurant enjoying a juicy steak, a beautifully prepared piece of salmon, or maybe a lighter, vegetarian entrée, Valentine’s Day calls for a special pairing. With salmon, I recommend the Lucienne Pinot Noir, Smith Vineyard, which is $39.99 at The Wine Barrel. It’s a very well balanced pinot with stone fruit, berry and earthy notes. The Lucienne is from California’s Santa Lucia Highlands region in the central coast. Pinot’s from this area are known for their richness, elegance, luscious red fruits, and spice. The cool climate of the region is well suited to make unique styles of pinot noir, a grape that is difficult to grow in some of California’s warmer climates.
For a heartier beef entrée, consider a Cabernet Sauvignon. Field Stone Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley is full bodied, elegant and intense, perfect to stand up to the richness of the beef but would also match well with veggies. It's a bargain at $20.99 and is available at The Wine Barrel.
Alexander Valley Cabs are big, bold, and tannic. The tannins, while responsible for the well-publicized health benefits of red wine, can also make it a bit bitter when first opened. When air interacts with tannins, a wine's aroma and flavor are enhanced. I therefore recommend that you decant this wine for an hour before it's poured.
If there is a drop or two left in the bottle, any of the above wines can cross over to a delicious dessert pairing:
- The sparkling wines will match nicely with strawberries, especially the rosé from Alsace.
- Once aerated, the Cabernet will have chocolate and espresso bean aromas which will pair with a decadent piece of chocolate cake, or selections from that box of artisanal chocolates you thoughtfully brought along.
- The pinot noir, being lighter, will pair with a variety of dessert course cheeses.
Spring brings warmer weather and visions of summer vacations, but this week you must remember only this: Valentine’s Day is for lovers….lovers of wine.
Mike Ward, CWE, CS, CSS, has been the state wine educator at Major Brands Distributing for the past nine years. In addition to teaching professional beverage certification classes, Ward also presents entertaining and informative seminars for wine professionals and novices. His passion is helping people easily approach wine, find the wines they like, and enjoy them at their best.
