Strawberries, chocolates, and champagne make for a classic indulgence.
Combine all three and you're really onto a winner.
Throw in a hand picked bunch of red roses (preferably not a last minute purchase from the local garage!) and who knows what might happen?
Go for the best you can afford, as quality shows your deep, loving commitment. Well, of course it does. You heard it here first!
The ultimate choice for Valentine's Day is the spectacular Dom Perignon Rosé produced by Champagne house, Moet & Chandon, which describes its delights as follows:
"After fleeting aromas of rose, orange oil and saffron, the bouquet becomes warmer, dominated by red fruit – raspberry and cherry – then somber touches of cassis and fig. Sweetness ultimately triumphs, with notes of gingerbread and licorice. The fruit is majestic, ripe, fleshy and profound. After a markedly smooth and round initial mouthfeel, the wine nestles in the heart of the palate, settling with a sort of intimately intense caress. The power is contained, and the dominant impression is consistency. Sapid sensations converge and persist, leaving the memory of their tactile imprint. Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009 is radiant, its fruit appears with all its majesty, round, rich and generous. The wine displays all the aromatic nuances of Pinot Noir - raspberry, fig, strawberry and cherry - exacerbated by the delicacy, mineral elegance and light notes of chardonnay."
For strawberries - A Brut Rosé Champagne is perfect. The red fruit notes complement the berries, while the crisp acidity balances their sweetness. Great options include Joseph Perrier "Cuvee Royale" Brut Rosé or Ruinart Rosé.
Joseph Perrier's rosé has been critically acclaimed by Decanter in January this year and Tom Hewson says:
"Aromas of Pink Lady apples, redcurrants and wild berries, complemented by herbs, red flowers and a reductive smokiness. The lean, linear palate features vibrant acidity and an austere, salty finish." 91/100 points
For chocolates - If you're having dark chocolate, go for a Demi-Sec or Doux Champagne (sweeter styles) like Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec, or Veuve Clicquot Rich—they balance out the bitterness. If it's milk chocolate, a Brut Champagne works fine.
For both together - A Rosé Champagne with some fruitiness (like Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé) is the most versatile choice, complementing both strawberries and chocolate without overpowering either.
Of course, not everyone likes the Champagne style, and will opt for the fruitier, softer Italian choice of Prosecco Rosé. Our recommended wine is the Brilla produced in the region of Veneto in the north-east of the country.
Enthusiastically described by critic and Master Sommelier, Cameron Douglas, as:
"Aromas and flavours of peach and sweet orange, some mineral and very fine lees qualities. Balanced, fresh, crisp and dry on the palate. The mousse is fresh and lively and along with the acidity carries the peach, apple and sweet orange flavours. Balanced and well made..." 91/100 points
If all this frivolous, fruity nonsense is not for you, and you'd rather tuck into a juicy steak or a "meat feast" pizza, then the ideal red wine for this special day has to be from the Beaujolais appellation of true love, "Saint Amour".
Vignerons de Belair are known for making excellent wines from the Gamay grape. Grown across the Beaujolais region, with particularly high quality examples from the Cru Beaujolais appellations, this Saint Amour offers black fruits, blueberries and plums with dried notes of prunes and dates from a surprisingly light body. Earthy mushroom and cassis mingle with dark baking chocolate to form a robust tannic structure and lingering, baking spice finish. Buy some here throughout February on special offer... XX
