Vino Valentino
We’ve all got used to celebrating lockdown special occasions by now. They’ll start coming round for a second time shortly, but it’s Valentine’s Day coming up, and its on a Sunday. Perfect for a bit of indulging and whilst I bet people will be planning their special lunches and dinners, I suspect no one’s giving much thought to wine, beyond “We can open a bottle of fizz”.
And if you’re single, maybe don’t read on; other than to say, why not, I’ll open something spectacular and enjoy my freedom. Or get on a Zoom call and make sure you’re drinking something you can flaunt. At least you won’t mistakenly walk into a restaurant full of tables for two and virtual darkness this year. Oh, and there’s Test cricket, Six Nations rugby and footy on all day, so it’s not all bad.
For those still with us, how can we up the ante a bit this Valentine’s? Whatever you’re cooking, or taking-in, here’s some wine guidance.
Have some fizz! Preferably as an aperitif where you can chat and get intimate ahead of any food. It’s date night remember, so go for it. Don’t just go for Prosecco. You’re not impressing anyone, not least yourself. It’s too sugary and the taste won’t linger in the way you should like it to. Of course, you can get a decent bottle – particularly if you drink it with the locals in Italy – like a DOCG, which acknowledges quality, but there’s better alternatives for us here in the UK. Even the Italians are saying we should drink less of it and avoid the deals here.
There are some brilliant alternatives. Closest is Franciacorta (sometimes impossible to find here) and worth a try if you can find it – slightly drier and dominated by the Chardonnay grape, like Champagne. Not as good, but it does have an Italian character fundamentally lacking in Prosecco.
Cava is a good bet and do spend a little more. As we’ve said before, it’s beautifully made, cultivated in the lovely northern Spanish climate and delivers a zesty acidity. Look out for Freixenet, Segura or Xarello flavours. Or the Rosé Monastrell / Pinot Noir.
Even better, open Champagne to make your Sunday evening more special. You can still watch Countryfile; but with a glass of Champagne that will make it a warmer experience than normal. Vintage – made from the best grapes of a single harvest – is best, but Champagne is Champagne, so go for it.
Or crack open a fabulous Crémant and compare the flavours against what you’re used to. An alternative to Champagne that’s made in numerous French regions - the Loire, Limoux, Alsace, Burgundy, Jura - Crémant is a bubbly made from secondary fermentation for a longer fizz with a nuttier taste. Great value and you won’t be disappointed.
If England have had a good day in the Test in Chennai (unlikely), then why not celebrate with an amazing sparkling wine from our shores. Langham Wine in Dorset is the international sparkling wine producer of the year; our (slightly) warmer summers and cold (miserable) winters are perfect growing conditions, with our southern chalk soils ramping up acidity levels for a soothing taste and quality. There are a number of choices here; go local where possible but Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Shropshire all have amazing wines with Sparkling the stand out style. Some are even reassuringly expensive. It’ll slip down before the food’s ready (or delivered) and get your evening off to a winning start.
If you’re eating in style, push the boat out with a matching wine and certainly something special. If you’re having a takeaway, check out our blog on what we think works best. Otherwise, try one of these: Aussie Riesling, Albariño, Ribera del Duero, Rioja (whites or reds – go Riserva), anything Portuguese or an Uco Valley Malbec. It’s what we’re drinking and something good to share.
Have a good evening in any case. Chat about the wine. Let us know what you choose. There may even be something on Netflix you haven’t watched yet. If not, Match of the Day 2 will be on after 10, if you’re still up. And likely no very early start on the Monday as it’s half term. Get in.
If you’re single and have stayed this far, celebrate anyway – alone, with your housemates, with parents or your kids. Choose an amazing wine. There won’t be anything on Netflix you haven’t seen, so get on Zoom if you can.
Our latest range of wine gifts including Fizz and English wine selections are on our Gift pages - https://www.mediavino.co.uk/giftsorders.