When it comes to love, sometimes opposites attract. From Harold and Maude (Harold and Maude), to Harry and Sally (When Harry Met Sally), Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Edward and Bella (Twilight), Kermit and Miss Piggy (The Muppets) the most uncommon and unlikely pairings can create partnerships that seem like they were always meant to be.
The following wines have been selected to fit every palate, taste, and preference, from casual to elegant, single varietal to blends. We’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do. Therefore, grab a glass, your favorite person, and pop a bottle of one of our favorite romantic wines to celebrate-being unique is what makes you both special!
Vilarnau Brut NV, Spain (SRP: $12.99)
An artisan Cava wines producer, Vilarnau winemaker Damià Deàs strives to bring the romance back, using only indigenous varietals and tinkering with ancient production styles like chestnut barrel-aging. A blend of the three traditional Spanish grapes often referred to as the ‘Holy Trinity’ (Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo), Vilarnau Brut NV is aged for about 15 months on the lees, resulting in an attractive nose – subdued notes of french toast, yeast, green apples and lemon blossoms, with a bit of spice an minerality on the finish. Like most Cavas, it exhibits a toasty, warm bouquet, and fine, persistent bubbles that famous Spanish designer Antonio Miró, who has worked with the winery since 2005, once compared to the feel of “sensual female lips.” One sip, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy this ‘kiss from Spain’.
In the Bordeaux region of France, Château Bonnet lies just outside of the Entre-Deux-Mers, with vineyards planted in the chalky clay terroir overlooking the Dordogne valley. The estate dates back to the 17th century, possessing years of history and viniculture in its soil.
Currently, Bonnet devotes 50% of its production to red wine varietals, and 50% to their ever popular dry white blend-made up of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes, all carefully crafted to retain the floral nature and fresh bouquet that these grapes naturally provide. Notes are of white peach, lime zest, and flint, with high minerality on the palate. The flavor is predominately floral, but not sweet, with notes of gooseberry, quince, muscadine, and grapefruit. Drinks very much like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and as one of our favorite romantic wines, we’d highly recommend it.
This light, bright white wine hails from Gascony, a coastal region along the Atlantic in southwest France. Domaine du Tariquet uses classic Armagnac indigenous grapes – Ugni-Blanc, Colombard, Gros Manseng – and Sauvignon Blanc, to produce the Classic. We noted aromas of light tropical fruits, orange zest and citrus, with floral and grass on the nose. High minerality-a perfect wine for spring time dishes and romantic afternoons for two.
This crisp, succulent white wine blend hails from three of Excelsior’s best Chardonnay blocks. Note zesty flavors of green apple, citrus and tropical fruit on a creamy, vanilla palate. Hints of white peach, citrus flower and toast combine with a mineral edge from the limestone soil. Excelsior is lightly wooded, due to a blend of stainless steel fermentation and French oak aging. Try it with creamy cheeses like Camembert and Brie, as well as poached salmon, mild curry dishes, and lemon scones.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this rosé shows more backbone than your usual pink wine. The grapes are grown specifically for rosé production, and those harvested younger to retain more natural acidity. A fruit forward rosé, with juicy flavors of strawberry and watermelon. A great option to pair with a Spring brunch, or breakfast in bed.
A dark fruit-forward blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot, this wine is the perfect sidekick for spring barbecues, wine side chats, and movie nights in. Great depth and dimension, with notes of dark fruits like black currants, plum, and mulberry fruit with spiy colve and pepper on the palate. The blend is comprised of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Shiraz, and 20% Merlot. Drink now through 2017.
Created to be a super-premium wine, Piattelli Premium Cabernet Sauvignon has the smooth, fruit-forward flavor of grapes characteristic of Argentina’s Uco Valley vineyard. Development of this wine results from tireless personal oversight by talented female winemaker Valeria Antolin, and general director Gabriel Fidel. Piattelli’s Premium Cabernet is aged for 12 months in small, French and American oak barrels, and then bottle aged an additional 6 months.
The nose is a fragrant bouquet of blueberries, mocha and cola, with dark fruits and chocolate on the palate. Soft and jammy, it has light tannins, oak, eucalyptus, leather, and vanilla spice on the finish. A very solid wine, it will mellow well with age.
This wonderfully fruity red combines the Old World beauty of Tuscany with Umbria’s rugged bravado in a balanced mix of Sangiovese (70%), Sagrantino (15%) and Merlot (15%). The result is a juicy, aromatic wine with invigorating freshness and solid structure with aromas of dark fruit and spices. This Sangiovese-centric Tuscan wine blend, with its notes of dark fruit and spices, pairs nicely with marinated meats, as well as fun desserts like s’mores cooked over an open fire, berry pies, and even burgers-making it the ideal pick for your next cookout or barbecue party.
Whatever wine you choose, be sure to pick for two-a great bottle of romantic wine is always better when shared. Enjoy!
Enjoy more suggestions on how to woo your boo during Valentine’s Day.