While there are indeed 27 other days in February, it is Valentine’s Day that commands our attention here in the wine universe. Granted, there are great opportunities to find just the right Riesling to go with Buffalo wings on Super Bowl Sunday (Bogle from California comes to mind), or the right thirst-quenching white after an epic day on a mountain (Salneval’s Albarino from Spain is delicious). But, every year I hear from friends and family the same question; “How can I sweep him/her off their feet with just one sip of just the right wine?” Well, here are some thoughts to help you navigate the wine aisle.
For Him:
Albert Bichot, Bourgogne Rouge “Vieilles Vignes” – France ($18.00-ish)
This wine is from 100% Pinot Noir vines that are an average 45 years old, sourced from both the Cotes de Beaune and the Cote Challonaise. This is classic French Pinot Noir that doesn’t need to beat you over the head with fruit to get its point across. There’s a little earthiness, a little cranberry and just the right acidity to stand up to anything from salmon to lamb.
Finca Decero, Malbec “Agrelo” – Argentina ($21.00-ish)
You can’t swing a construction paper-made heart without hitting a bottle of Malbec – it has become the new darling grape here in America. And, while there are more and more choices for us, there is a constant theme to most: subtlety. Malbec done right exudes supple tannins (picked up on the back corners of your mouth), hints of cocoa and a medium body that makes it versatile with foods, but doesn’t leave you feeling gypped. The Argentines are famous for their cattle, so guess what goes well this…
Quinta do Noval, 10 Year Tawny Port – Portugal ($30.00-ish)
Noval produces unctuous, long-lived ports that will change your mind about what port can be. This tawny (aged and oxidized longer than the jammier/fruitier ruby ports) shows of flavors of nougat, fig and dried vanilla. What’s great about these tawny ports, is that they’re pre-oxidized, so once they’re opened, they will last for a few months without any discernible depreciation. Great with Crème Brulée or a cigar.
For Her:
La Puerta, Torrontes – Argentina ($11.00-ish)
To every Red grape, there must exist its mate. And so, throughout Argentina, we find the lovely Torrontes growing alongside the more broad-shouldered Malbec. I stand behind the story of Torrontes’ origins as follows… It is a Spanish grape that came with the waves of Spanish emigrants in the 1800s, leaving its home in Galicia in the north west with families hoping for something better in a new world, but refusing to leave everything behind.
Modern Torrontes bears a remarkable resemblance to Gewurztraminer or Chenin Blanc on the nose; rich and perfumed. In the mouth, however, it is dry but not tart, and nearly full-bodied with gobs of pleasant fruit undertones. Think cantaloupe and ripe pear.
This is great with cheeses/pâtés or swordfish.
Elvio Tintero, Moscato d’Asti – Italy ($16.00-ish)
Whenever I pour this at a wine tasting, I just love watching people’s reactions. At first they’re skeptical, “Is it sweet?” they ask. But after one sip, a broad smile appears, and a low “Mmmm” escapes their lips. Nectar.
This is made in the north west Italian town of Asti from the Muscat grape. There they stop the fermentation before all of the sugars are converted to alcohol by dropping the temperature. They then bottle the juice, and as the temperature rises back, the fermentation recommences and stops only after all of the oxygen in the bottle is consumed and converted to carbon dioxide, giving this a beautiful fizz. And, low in alcohol, too! Buy two bottles.
Domaine la Tour Vieille, Banyuls – France ($28.00-ish)
You don’t see a lot of this dessert wine, but it is available in both Maine and NH, and is worth seeking out, because it is “The World’s Best Chocolate Wine.” It is from the seaside town of Collioure where old vine Grenache vineyards on beautifully engineered terraces drop down hillsides into the Mediterranean Sea. The Grenache grapes are harvested well into October when they have reached a dizzying ripeness. They undergo a brief fermentation that is halted by the addition of local brandy in order to retain residual sugars. The wine is then placed in clear glass vessels, and put out into the Mediterranean sun to complete its transformation. Unlike any other red you have ever tasted. It’s as good with a milk chocolate as it is with a dark, semi-sweet. Yum.
According to the children around my Kennebunk home, I am a wine cellar. I’ve worked in and around the wine industry for 15 years now, and have had the good fortune of visiting many great wine regions in both the U.S.A. and Europe. I have worked for Ed and Judi Mansing’s R.P. Imports in both New Hampshire and Maine for the past 7 years, focusing on small production, artisanal wineries. Quote this article on your site
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Wine + Spirits 
While there are indeed 27 other days in February, it is Valentine’s Day that commands our attention here in the wine universe. Granted, there are great opportunities to find just the right Riesling to go with Buffalo wings on Super Bowl Sunday (Bogle from California comes to mind), or the right thirst-quenching white after an epic day on a mountain (Salneval’s Albarino from Spain is delicious). But, every year I hear from friends and family the same question; “How can I sweep him/her off their feet with just one sip of just the right wine?” Well, here are some thoughts to help you navigate the wine aisle.
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