Wine Splash!

The romance of Valentine’s Day comes with it a bit of mystery and intrigue. The holiday was actually created in remembrance of St. Valentine who had been performing marriages in secret against a ban that had been set forth by the Roman Empire in 270 A.D.. But he was soon discovered, imprisoned, and then beheaded for his actions. St. Valentine became a martyr of the Church because he gave his life for the sacrament of marriage and love. But Valentine’s Day should not be a day for you to lose your head over trying to find the perfect wine! You have the rose’s, you have the heart shaped candy, the candles, oils, jewelry, and maybe even the plans to make your love a breakfast in bed. Here is the perfect wish list of impressive wines to make your love’s heart bubble over with affection and desire! Hence, the list:

Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage Champagne – A luxurious blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier,  and Chardonnay. Very deep red in color, even for Rosé standards. Bright cherry and toast on the nose with flavors of lush raspberry, blood orange, and Asian spices. Long and lively finish. Pair with shrimp cocktail, medium cheeses, or broasted chicken. 93 Points! $49 a bottle average.

Zardetto Brut Prosecco – A blend of 95% Prosecco (Glera) and 5% Chardonnay. Pale yellow in color with aromas of fresh flowers and stone fruit. Smaller bubbles than a champagne with a very fine perlage. Rich and creamy style with flavors of ripe peaches, Asian pear, spices, and a nice minerality on the finish. Add fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to your Prosecco to add a fun and fruity element to the occasion. This crisp bubbly is perfect to pair with most any aperitif. 90 Points! $15 a bottle average.

Terra Valentine Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – A lovely Valentine for your Valentine. Deep garnet in color with an enticing nose of black cherry, cocoa, and spice! Rich and full bodied across the palate with a velvety texture. Soft entry but layered with flavors of dark fruits, cassis, licorice, and baking spices. On the second sip, hints of ripe cherry, cedar, and tobacco lead to a long, elegant finish. More like elegance on steroids! Pair with Filet Mignon, beef, and strong cheeses. 92 Points! $34 bottle on Wine.com today! *Tip: Terra Valentine has other higher end Cabernet’s as well if you are interested in something a bit more eclectic.

ChocoVine Chocolate Wine – I am not sure if Holland in the Netherlands was made for lovers but I am very sure you will fall in love with this creamy, chocolaty wine! It is a blend of grape wine, cream, and milk chocolate flavors. Soft and velvety across the palate with the consistency of chocolate milk but with a nice warm kick on the finish. It is a fun, sweet, and playful wine that tastes great on the rocks. If you are not sure what type of wine your Valentine likes, then this is a safe bet to bring home. Definitely a dessert wine to sip by the fireplace. 87 points! About $12 a bottle.

Chateau Ste Michelle Harvest Select Sweet Riesling – Is your love life as sweet and spicy as this wine? There is only one way to find out! This Washington state Riesling is beautifully crisp but balances out with soft flavors of ripe peaches and spice! Quite flirtatious and walks that edge of naughty and nice. Great with Thai food, glazed chicken, and warm kisses. 88 Points! About $10 a bottle average.

Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry Wine –Semisweet and intoxicating, this wine from Michigan brings the flavors of love and puts it in a bottle. An exotic blend of fresh cherry wine and warm winter spices makes this wine irresistible! Flavors of ripe northern red cherries with natural flavors of cinnamon, clove, orange, and lemon peel offers a very unique taste! This is a mulled wine so heat it up to release its scandalous side! (wild cherries have this second nature!). 88 Points and about $10 a bottle average.

Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2014 – An Italian red blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes that enfolds you in luxury. Indulge yourself and your Valentine with a sumptuous wine that is big, bold, and full of flavor. This Amarone is inky red in the glass with aromas of raisins, dried fig, blackberry, and mocha. It is perfectly balanced yet complex with layers of flavors and fruits. The finish is long and lingering with notes of smoke, blackberry, and exotic spices. 94 Points! $79 a bottle average. The 2014 is quite young so decant with your Vinturi or put in your decanter for an hour or two before drinking. You can drink now but it will cellar up til 2028. *Tip – An Amarone brings you to Cloud 9 but an Amarone Recioto della Valpolicella takes you to Heaven! A Recioto is the elegantly sweet big brother of the Amarone. Try this to discover what the angel’s share tastes like.

Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto – If the way to your heart is across your palate, then prepare for Love at First Sip! A sparkling dessert wine bursting with flavors of ripe raspberries and strawberries. It is crisp and refreshing on entry but opens up to a seductively sweeter style laced with fresh raspberry. Sparkling and festive and is perfect for any occasion. Pair with mild cheeses, spicy foods, and seafood. But for an amazing experience, try the Rosa Regale with dark chocolate! The raspberry and chocolate infuse for hints of Black Forest Cake. 90 Points and about $20 a bottle average.

If Cupid has been hiding across the room from you, maybe you have already fallen for one of these exceptional wines. If not, pick up a few bottles soon to delight and enchant your Valentine. Wine is meant to be shared and sharing it with your True Love makes this holiday one to remember. WineSplashing!!