There are many ways to celebrate the “Holiday of Love,” including the classic romantic dinner for two, with luxe fare and a high-end bottle, a cozy night in with your favorite wine and local takeout, or popping bubbles with your pals and gals for a “single and thriving” celebration. As wine seems to be central to all themes, follow these recommendations from local wine retailers for your Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day moments. (Prices may vary.)
BUBBLES
NV Imaginarium “Blanc de Blancs”
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France | Grapes: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc and French Colombard | $19.99
“This beautiful bottle delivers champagne quality at a fraction of the price. Toast to your love with notes of peach, honeysuckle, and light citrus.” —Jeff Brooks, Spirit Wine & Craft
2012 Collet Esprit Premier Cru
Champagne, France / Grape: Chardonnay / $92
“A wonderful, fun, and stylish bottle of Champagne. The perfect way to start or finish a great night together. Celebrate!” —Alexander Head, Vino STL / Drink Dispatch
ROSÉ & RED BUBBLES
NV Joel Falmet Brut Rosé
Champagne, France / Grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay / $49.99
“This grower Champagne only produces 160 cases per year of its Rose and is a family-owned, hands-on producer. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a great Pink Champagne, and the quality of this dry Rose will impress your palate and Valentine.” —Paul Hayden, The Wine and Cheese Place
NV Tosti “Red Amore”
Italy / Red Blend / $12.99
“Don’t be afraid of a little sweetness. Take a bottle of Tosti Red Amore, and add some cheese, strawberries, chocolate, dim lighting, and soft music.” —Aaron Sherman, Grapevine Wines
2021 Paltrinieri “Radice”
Emilia-Romagna, Italy / Grape: Lambrusco di Sorbara / $22
“A unique pet-nat Lambrusco that is full of flavor, from pickled watermelon to savory herbs. It’s fantastic with charcuterie to rich pasta dishes.” —Kara Flaherty, The Cellar Shop at Winslow’s Table
NV G.D. Vajra “N.S. Della Neve”
Roddino, Barolo, Piedmont / Grapes: Rosé of Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir / $26
“Vajra is one of our favorites out of Barolo. This classic sparkling has everything you want for Valentine’s Day. It’s floral, elegant, and the bubble structure is perfect. Its blend shows the best of the power of Nebbiolo and the delicacy of Pinot Noir.” —Michael Fricker, Grand Spirits Bottle Co.
SPARKLING CIDER
2020 Domaine Sicera
Normandy, France / Fruit: Pear / $15
“Often overlooked, pear ciders offer an incredible value, with just a touch of sweetness and a complexity all to itself. Loaded with bubbles and low in alcohol, this is a favorite of the whole staff.” —Simon Lehrer, Parker’s Table
WHITE
2020 Cuvee Jean Paul “Gascogne Blanc”
Côte De Gascogne, France / Grapes: Colombard and Ugni Blanc / $13
“We recommend this wine, because it will add a spark to any romance. It’s a crisp, zesty, and acidic pour from the region that celebrates Cyrano de Bergerac and his love for Roxanne. This wine is amazingly fragrant, and—thanks to Cyrano—we know that “a great nose indicates a great man.” —Ken DeNeal, Southside Wine + Spirits
RED
2021 Jaffurs Wine Cellars “State Street”
Central Coast, California / Grape: Syrah / $21
“A wine that will appeal to Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers and everything in between, it’s super food friendly or delicious on its own.” —Kara Flaherty, The Cellar Shop at Winslow’s Table
2004 Domaine Pech “Totem”
Sainte-Colombe-en-Bruilhois, Gascony, France / Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc / $30
“This wine has an incredible story: It’s a 2004 that was left in a 10,000-liter barrel for 20 years, until the producer thought it was perfect. It’s big and bold enough to go with traditional Valentine’s Day meals, but its elegance and softness is perfect for the love in the air.” —Michael Fricker, Grand Spirits Bottle Co.
2021 Oeno
Russian River Valley, California / Grape: Pinot Noir / $24.99
“Why just give flowers or wine when you can give both? This is one of the prettiest Pinots we’ve tasted in a while, both inside the bottle and out, and it is just bursting with beautiful red cherries, cranberries, and soft earth tones for balance.” —Aaron Sherman, Grapevine Wines
2020 Comte de Langeron Cru Beaujolais
Saint Amour, Beaujolais, France / Grape: Gamay / $23.99
“Saint Amour is the ‘most romantic’ of the 10 Crus of Beaujolais. Saint Amour is one of the tiniest crus of Beaujolais, and not much arrives in the United State. It is floral and fruity, with flavors of cherries and strawberries. It’s a great food wine to share with your Valentine.” —Paul Hayden, The Wine and Cheese Place
2019 Zeni Costalago “Rosso Veronese”
Verona, Italy / Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Cabernet, and Merlot / $22
“We recommend this beautiful bottle not only for the seductive ruby red color, floral notes, and velvety finish, but also for the celebration of one of Italy’s most romantic cities, Verona—the backdrop of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.” —Tiffany Harmon, Southside Wine + Spirits
2021 Thirstledown Gorgeous Grenache
South Australia / Grape: Grenache / South Australia / $16.99
“Black cherry and raspberry mingle flavors with herbs and spice in this aromatic Grenache, which lives up to its name. It’s simply a gorgeous red, for less than $20.” —Jeff Brooks, Spirit Wine & Craft
2018 Darting
Pfalz, Germany / Grape: Pinot Meunier / $20
“The grape pinot meunier is widely known for producing some of the great Champagnes. This is a German, still red version of the world-class grape. ‘Simon says’ this is a great alternative for Old World Pinot Noir and a great pairing with loved ones. —Simon Lehrer, Parker’s Table
2020 Terre Nere Etna Rosso
Etna, Sicily / Grape: Nerello Mascalese / $21
“I love Pinot Noir, and I love getting to explore other varietals in that range. The unique flavors and structure to this wine makes it great alone or with your favorite Valentine’s dinner.” —Alexander Head, Vino STL / Drink Dispatch
Denise Mueller is a St. Louis–based certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine who owns the Mid-American School of Wine and the wine course PreSomm, with wine books and wine courses available.
