We don’t think you need an excuse to indulge in a great bottle of wine, however, if you are looking for a gift for that special someone, cooking a romantic dinner or just having some nibbles in front of a good romantic comedy, we've got you covered. Delve into a super selection of wines steeped in history and romance that are guaranteed to make your Valentine's one to remember!
Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé, Cave de Lugny, France NV
This is an impressive crémant made in the `Traditional Method` style using Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which produces enticing aromas of summer and red fruits. Pale salmon pink in colour with a beautifully fine mousse. There are fresh and intense notes of red fruit such as redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry on the nose. It is well-balanced on the palate and packed with similar red fruit which leads onto a rich, indulgent finish. A perfect aperitif or pair with delicate canapes.
Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne, France NV
This charming Rosé Champagne has a history stretching back seven generations amongst the family winemakers of the house of Billecart-Salmon. Rich and full of bright red fruit and a light, clean citrus freshness, this famous Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Bright salmon-pink colour with warm glints of gold and a persistent mousse. Light and elegant on the palate followed by a fresh finish with a lovely touch of raspberry. Elegant and very refined, from one of the few remaining family-owned Grand Marque houses.
M de Minuty Rosé Côtes de Provence, France 2021
M de Minuty is located near St. Tropez on the Cote d`Azur and is a classic Provence rosé with its pale pink colour and charming nose of summer berries with added white stone fruits. Bright and attractive on the palate with a creamy, rounded texture and vibrant acidity giving poise and direction. Great minerality and drive to the finish. A wonderful pairing for fresh pesto and pasta, chicken dishes or spicy Indian curries.
Michele Reverdito, Barolo ‘Castagni’ DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2016
‘The king of wines and wines of kings. 100% Nebbiolo from the Castagni Cru in the centre-west of La Morra on marl-clay soils. Located next to the Crus of Ascheri, San Giacomo, Neirane and Roncaglie. An abundance of black cherry and black plum fuse with floral notes of violet and iris. This is compact and complex with great structure, yet effortlessly fine and elegant at the same time. A pure, precise and taught Barolo with a seamless, focused finish. A great pairing for seared mushrooms with garlic and butter or a mushroom bourguignon. The umami, saltiness and/or creaminess in the dish bring out the very best in the Barolo. A truly romantic wine.
Château Deyrem Valentin, Margaux, Bordeaux 2014
A classic, beautiful estate founded in 1730; Château Deyrem-Valentin embraces its family tradition by continually producing elegant wines of character. The estate is situated between two grand cru estates, and subsequently shares the same terroir, ideal for growing top-quality fruit. Owner Jean Sorge and his two daughters run this estate, practicing the time-honoured techniques handed down by their forefathers.
For this, their signature cuvee, they blend Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Carménère and employ ageing in one-third new oak to bring out the depth of flavour in this rich, velvety, animalistic wine. Charming nose of black cherry and cassis with hints of cedar spice. Medium-bodied with luscious, ripe and round tannins. Impressive core of dark berry fruit, added black pepper and cedar spice. Margaux with lamb is a classic pairing. However, it pairs equally well grilled, braised or roasted meat ranging from beef, pork, chicken, duck, pigeon as well as mushrooms and truffles. A truly romantic wine.
Campbells Rutherglen Muscat, Victoria, Australia NV
Our final wine is the perfect pairing for chocolate. Chocolate is tricky to pair with wine as it coats your palate and often strips the delicate flavours from the wine. You either need to pair with a full bodied rich ripe red wine (i.e. sweet and spicy Zinfandel or Shiraz), or a sweet wine, to match the sweetness of your chosen chocolate. Step forward Rutherglen Muscat; one of the original Australian wine styles. Crafted in the arid climates of north-east Victoria these richly flavoured, intensely sweet fortified wines made from Muscat are often overlooked. The Campbells name is synonymous with this style of wine and the family have been creating Rutherglen Muscat for nearly 150 years.
There is an abundance of dried fruit such as raisin, date fused with molasses and a touch of cedar oak spice. Bags of dried and orchard fruits on the palate, yet well-balanced with bright acidity which stops the wine from becoming overpoweringly sweet or cloying and leads into a lingering, soft, and gently spiced finish.
Whatever you are doing this Valentine’s day we hope you have a great time and a fabulous glass of wine! For more recommendations, please do not hesitate to get in touch via wine@bcfw.co.uk or give us a call on 01325 776446.
