Valentine's day is right around the corner, and you want to pick out the perfect bottle of wine for your special someone. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and bubbly or a classic and sophisticated red, here are 5 bottles that will help you set the mood.
1. Gaja Barbaresco 2019
A 100% Nebbiolo Barbaresco from the Piemonte region of Italy, this bottle is full-bodied and perfect for pairing with a romantic dinner. Its aromas of dark cherry, and earthy truffle will leave you and your partner in awe.
Barbarescos are rightly famous for their complexity and depth of flavour. This bottle is no exception, with its mix of cherry, plum, leather and dried herbs. It’s balanced out by a refreshing acidity and silky tannins that will leave you wanting more.
Gaja has developed a reputation for making some of the finest wines in Italy, and this Barbaresco certainly lives up to their standard. If you’re looking for a truly special bottle to share with your loved one, look no further than Gaja Barbaresco 2019.
2. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012
This champagne is from the well-known house of Veuve Clicquot and is one of the most iconic bottles in their collection.
It’s made from a blend of 90% Pinot Noir grapes and is aged for 48 months on its lees before bottling. The result is an elegant and complex champagne with aromas of citrus and white flowers, a fresh acidity, and a long finish.
The box decoration by Yayoi Kusama adds a little artistic flair to the presentation of this vintage, making it an excellent gift for your special someone.
As with all champagnes, this one is best enjoyed when paired with some special treats such as dark chocolate truffles or macaroons.
3. Château d’Yquem 2011
This sweet wine from the Sauternes region of France is one of the most sought-after bottles available. It’s made from a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc and has an elegant balance between lushness and freshness.
The nose offers up aromas of dried orange rind, honeysuckle, and white flowers. The palate is filled with flavours of apricot, peach, honeycomb, and candied lemon zest.
This full-bodied wine pairs perfectly with creamy desserts such as crème brûlée or a light blue cheese, making it a fantastic choice for a valentines picnic.
4. Kistler Chardonnay “Les Noisetiers” 2020
This Californian Chardonnay offers wonderfully structured and complex flavours with a bright minerality. Hints of vanilla, baking spices, and toasted almond complement notes of citrus, yellow apple, and honey.
Given the damage that the 2020 wildfires cause in California, this Chardonnay is somewhat of a rarity, having escaped the widespread fire damage and smoke taint that ravaged Napa Valley and surrounding regions.
The texture is both creamy and crisp, making it a great partner for seafood dishes and an excellent choice for a seafront dinner with the one you love.
5. Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2015
An excellently balanced Pinot Noir from Louis Latour, the Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2015 is sure to please. This full-bodied wine has notes of dark cherry, blackberry and oak that are followed by a hint of smoke, leather and liquorice.
Château Corton Grancey is located on the hillside of the Côte d’Or in Burgundy, France. A Grand Cru vineyard that was first established by Louis Latour in 1810. Today, it produces some of the most sought-after wines in Europe, including its signature Pinot Noir.
A perfect partner for red meat dishes, the Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 2015 Pinot Noir is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something a little more special to share with your special someone.
If you’re struggling to source the sought-after 2015 vintage, which is becoming increasingly hard to get, then the 2019 vintage makes for an excellent alternative.
The perfect wines for Valentines
So there you have it, five excellent wine choices for Valentine’s Day, or even just as a gift for someone you care about, or for your own collection.
From the classic, full-bodied Nebbiolo Barbaresco to a fresh and fruity Californian Chardonnay, all of these wines bring something unique to the table and will make Valentine’s Day extra special.
So why not explore these wines with your loved one and enjoy a romantic evening? Happy Valentines
