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Liquid Assets – Valentine’s Day Wines
By Chris Hoel
Photographs by Katherine Bish
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and I hereby propose a change of scenery: Bag the restaurant reservations, and prepare that special someone’s favorite meal in the fire-lit coziness only your home can provide. (And if Tom Shane has his way with you, splurge on a diamond for dessert.) An ever-important accompaniment to dinner—wine—should match the occasion as well as the meal. So here are several suggestions for an at-home February 14. Now you have a friend in the wine business.
You’re serving: Asian, sushi, tofu, ceviche or tuna tartare
Pair it with: 2006 Pannotia Torrontés, Cafayate, Argentina
Price: $12
Description: This light white displays hints of green apples and peaches with a zest of orange and lemon. The beautiful floral note calls to mind a well-made perfume—one that piques your interest but doesn’t knock you down. A great “play around” wine you can drink while you, well ... play around.
You’re serving: Lobster, prawns, scallops, double crème cheese or truffled French fries
Pair it with: NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France
Price: $80
Description: If you splurged on dinner, you might as well spring for one of my all-time favorites. Lightly pink with a fruity nose of strawberries, white cherries and baked bread, it has a myriad of tropical citrus flavors on the palate with a light vanilla kiss—which is just what you’ll get if you bring this stuff home.
You’re serving: Beef, short ribs, hearty pastas, braised meats—or even better, lamb
Pair it with: 2004 d’Arenberg “Love Grass” Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Price: $16
Description: Mission figs and ripe plums highlight bright fruits of red and black cherries. This wine has the traits of a ballerina weight lifter—grace with power. Serve this to your sweetheart, and he or she might just want to dance.
You’re serving: Chicken, salmon, duck, tuna or veal
Pair it with: 2005 Foley “Rancho Santa Rosa” Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, Calif.
Price: $32
Description: This wine covers them all. A nose of strawberries and cherries on steroids matches well with the taste of dried bananas, ripe peaches and a whisper of balanced oak. Hey, my little peach, come over here and whisper in my ear.
Chris Hoel, CSW, is co-founder of the St. Louis Wine Clinic and one of two Advanced Sommeliers in Missouri. In preparation for the Master Sommelier exam (there are only 132 Masters in the world), he’s fully immersing himself in the world of wine, spirits, beers and water—and you’ll read about the highlights of his research in St. Louis Magazine every month.
