A Sommelier’s Guide to Picking the Right Wine for Your Valentine.
February 2, 2013Jacksonville Magazine recently asked to write an article for their February Valentine’s issue, and so I thought I’d share it with you all, mainly just to prove that I have indeed been keeping myself busy away from this website!
Below is their published version, and below that is the original article I submitted. I really don’t care that they edited it down the published version, but personally I prefer the original. :)
New Relationship
It’s your first date. You need a wine to calm your nerves, help take the “edge” off and to set
the tone from the very beginning. Something bright and refreshing, yet subtle and elegant,
and which doesn’t take it’s self too seriously!
The Saint-Hilaire Sparkling Brut from Blanquette de Limoux is a perfect choice for those
not quite ready to commit to true Champagne, yet not willing to sacrifice for taste. The
sparkling wines from the southern Limoux region of France would be a perfect choice, as
they were said to be one of the first “wine loves” of Thomas Jefferson.
At a third the price of Champagne, the Saint-Hilaire is light, dry and crisp, with lemon and
green apple flavors, balanced with a delicate yeasty/bready quality.
$14.99 from Riverside Liquors.
Getting Serious
You’ve moved on from the early days of the relationship, and much like your love for wine,
things have started to get all-the-more serious.
From the family of Silver Oak, comes Twomey. The Anderson Valley is a little-known
region in Northern California, known for its dedication to producing world class Pinot Noir
and treasured by wine drinkers who’ve taken their confirmed affinity for Pinot Noir to the
next level. The Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir shows strawberries and stewed
raspberries up front, with rose petals, sandalwood and dried herbs on the mid-palate, and
cherry and oak on the textured finish.
$29.99 from Royal Palm Wine and Tapas.
Putting a Ring on it
You’ve laughed together, you’ve cried together and it’s all come down to this moment. A
moment you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. For that reason, wouldn’t it be a terrible
injustice to not put as much thought into your wine selection as you do your choice of
words?
No wine in this world defines romance more than Champagne, and every facet of the
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose expresses your true love… in a glass. Light tangerine, delicate
red berries, fresh cut roses, minerals and spice take shape in the glass, with timeless
personality and elegance.
$84.99 from Riverside Liquors.
This entry was posted in News and tagged Anderson Valley, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose, Blanquette de Limoux, Champagne, Saint-Hilaire Sparkling Brut, Silver Oak, Twomey, Valentines Day, Valentines Day wine. Bookmark the permalink. ← Castello di Amorosa “La Castellana” Napa Valley, California. Interview with Tom Eddy from Tom Eddy Winery. →
