Whether you are preparing a romantic meal for two at home, going out for dinner, cooking for yourself, or spending quality time with friends; Valentines Day is great excuse to have some delicious food and wine. Here is our guide to the perfect wine matches for our favourite romantic dishes!
Pan seared scallops with lemon butter
Pan-seared scallops make an elegant dinner with hardly any effort! Pair with Louis Latour’s Mâcon-Lugny ‘Les Genièvres’ 2022 with attractive aromas of lemon citrus, grapefruit, and honeysuckle. Ample, rounded, and ripe on the palate underpinned by bright, linear acidity and an abundance of further citrus and white stone fruit complemented by the almond and honey undertones on the lingering finish.
A deliciously satisfying dish if done well, when the rice is creamy, yet al dente. The earthy, musky, umami-rich flavours pair perfectly with Michele Reverdito’s Langhe Nebbiolo ‘Simane’ 2020. This 100% Nebbiolo comes from Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) the San Giacomo Cru in the north-west of La Morra on limestone-marl soils with touches of clay. Located next to the Crus of Bricco Cogni, Neirane and Ascheri as well as the Verduno border. This is technically a declassified Barolo San Giacomo at half price! Delicate aromas of red and black cherry, rose petal, blood orange fused with leather and star anise spice. Ripe, soft, and silky on the mid-palate with rounded tannins than lead into a core of further dried red and black fruits with a dash of five spice.
A dish that is fragrant and aromatic whilst extremely comforting at the same time. For a winning combination, pair with Viñas del Vero Colección Gewurztraminer 2022. The winery was established in 1986 and is the leading producer in Somontano; a little-known area of Northern Spain, nestling in the foothills of the Pyrenées that form the border with neighbouring France. The grapes enjoy long warm days and cool nights which allows for a long ripening period, creating perfectly ripe fruit whilst preserving the acidity and aromatics of this unique variety. The lovely floral aroma is true to the variety, with classic rose petal lychees and Turkish delight, and a long spicy finish. Full-flavoured and fragrant without being heavy.
Slow-roasted shoulder of lamb
Perfectly marinated meat that melts in the mouth is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This needs to be paired with a super special wine… enter Bodegas Artazu ‘Santa Cruz de Artazu’ 2017. There is no denying that Artadi is a Spanish pioneer with a Burgundy philosophy; one with an emphasis on fruit driven wines from single vineyard locations culminating in truest expression of “terroir”. In neighbouring Navarra, their sister winery Artazu produce wines from 100% Garnacha, such as this ‘Santa Cruz de Artazu’, which is made from historical 100-year-old Artazu vines. Intense aromas of blackcurrant, black plum and blackberry with a delicate floral edge. Balanced, precise and pure with lots of energy and a luscious silky-smooth texture. A dark black fruit explosion on the palate complemented by a deft touch of black pepper and clove spice on the marathon finish.
A delectable flash-fried steak with a classic creamy sauce - cook to perfection for a very special meal for two. Pair with Château Deyrem Valentin 2014. Deyrem Valentin is always a good buy and is one of our star entry-level Margaux, well known for producing sensual and alluring wines. This has a 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.
Hot chocolate soufflé
Light and fluffy, a hot chocolate soufflé is always going to go down well and is visually very impressive. Perfect for a romantic dinner dessert paired with Cantina di Negrar Recioto della Valpolicella 2019. This sweet wine has complex and beguiling aromas of crème de cassis, prune, black cherry and black plum with a deft floral lift. Intense and full bodied on the palate yet balanced by uplifting acidity and generous, though not cloying sweetness... bright and vibrant with further dark black fruit and a touch of raisin on the persistent finish.
Cantina di Negrar Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG, Italy 2019
For more food and wine pairing advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
