February 14th is right around the corner which means many of us will be looking for Valentine’s Day wine pairing ideas. Are you looking to spoil your other half with a romantic, home cooked meal? Planning on bringing them to a restaurant but not sure which wine to choose?

If so, this article will look at the best wine for Valentine’s Day and share some of our favourite wine pairing options. 

Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing: Expert Tips

Regardless of whether this is your first Valentine’s Day together or you’ve been a couple for many years, planning a romantic dinner can feel a little intimidating – especially when it comes to choosing a Valentine’s Day wine pairing. This is normal and to be expected. 

Experts believe that there are several tips you should keep in mind when picking the best wine to enjoy on Valentine’s Day. First, you’ll need to decide whether you will be pairing each meal with a different wine. If you are only picking one bottle of wine, make sure that the wine’s profile will pair with each of the courses you cook. 

If you are choosing to have multiple wine pairings during your Valentine’s Day meal, make sure to follow the wine pairing principle of matching body with flavour. A Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, pairs best with meats and dark chocolate. Dry white wines, on the other hand, pair better with lighter dishes such as delicate white fish. 

Of course, no romantic meal is complete without a glass of sparkling wine to toast with. Ideal for pairing with Valentine’s Day dishes or as an aperitif, remember to keep flavour and acidity levels in mind. Make sure that the sparkling wine isn’t overpowering the dish and vice versa.  

Best Wines For Valentine’s Day: A Guide

Valentine’s Day is the perfect night of the year to enjoy some of the most romantic wines and dishes on the market. Oysters, dark chocolate, Champagne…need we say more? Below, we share our guide to the best Valentine’s Day wine pairings all couples or friends should try this February. 

Oysters and White/Sparkling wine

Oysters are known as an aphrodisiac. Typically served on the half-shell, many restaurants chose to include this famously romantic ingredient on their Valentine’s Day menu. While you may feel intimidated preparing oysters at home, they can be easily shucked ahead of time and are excellent when paired with Champagne or a Sauvignon Blanc. 

Champagne and oysters are considered as an iconic duo – a classic food and wine pairing option. According to science-backed research, the reason for this is that both Champagne and oysters share complementary umami flavours that enhance the taste and make this Valentine’s Day wine pairing work harmoniously. 

Clean, crisp white wines work just as well. The fruit-driven and light-bodied nature of the wine will bring out subtle and complex flavours of the dish. While its high acidity will cut through the fatty nature of the oysters. Consider trying the Domaine Robert Vic Mas de la Source Sauvignon 2020.

Scallops and Dry whites

Scallops paired with a dry, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Gris are great choices if you are looking for something that is both light and delicious. Dry whites have long been paired with delicate fish dishes and for good reason. The acidic nature of the white wine will draw out the more delicate flavours of the scallops. Consider pairing with a Te Mania Pinot Gris 2020.

Yet, the cooking method must be kept in mind. A scallop ceviche pairs best with a dry Sauvignon Blanc, however, seared scallops need a wine with more density and structure. In this case, a Chenin Blanc or white Burgundy may be a better choice for your Valentine’s Day wine pairing.

Duck with Light Reds

Duck is a very flavourful and tender piece of meat. Unlike veal or steak, it is best to pair duck dishes with light-bodied reds that are lightly fruitful and have soft tannins. Pinot Noir is often considered a classic pairing for slow-cooked or roasted duck. 

The acidity of the Pinot Noir balances perfectly with the fattiness of the duck. Additionally, the fruitiness of the wine would complement a duck breast served with a fruit sauce such as orange or plum. For a wonderful Valentine’s Day wine pairing, choose a Tunella Pinot Nero 2019

Fruit Desserts and Sparkling Rosé

Sparkling rosé is one of the best wines for Valentine’s Day. It is quintessentially romantic; its blush colour and refreshing bubbles make it a delightful addition to any dessert dish that you serve. However, sparkling rosé pairs best with a berry-based dessert. 

Sparkling rosé typically exhibits acidity with fruity, floral notes. For this reason, it can be paired with a fruit tart or a molten chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. While this Valentine’s Day wine pairing is often believed to be too sweet, this is further from the truth. The refreshing acidity of the wine combined with its fruit flavours will settle down the sweetness of your dessert.  

The Codorniu Cuvee Barcelona 1872 Brut Rosé pairs wonderfully with many dishes but is a firm favourite for dessert lovers. Offering notes of citrus, red berries and brioche this will be a delightful wine to enjoy on Valentine’s Day. 

Here at The Small Winemakers Collection, we stock an array of wines that are suitable for all occasions. Our team would be more than happy to help you find the perfect Valentine’s Day wine pairing option for your next meal or tasting. Get in touch with us today or browse our wine collection.  

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