This Valentine’s Day Show Your Love For Wine

By Pam J. Bernd

With snow in 49 out of 50 states this week, chances are that you are cuddled up on the couch this weekend with your loved one. Whether snowed in or not due to the weather, make sure that you don’t forget the essentials. A cork screw, some glasses, a good bottle and some great company is sure to jump start your weekend.

February is the time of year when we all want to do something special for our loved ones. When we were younger, we passed out Valentine’s to our classmates or made Valentine’s for our parents. Anyone remember candy grams in school? Those were great, and especially the anonymous ones that created just enough mystery. We then progressed to chocolates and baked goods. Now that we are all mature adults, at this time in our lives, what is better than giving a nice bottle of wine to our loved ones? Here are a few suggestions that should put a smile on that special someone’s face. However, if you happen to be alone this Valentine’s Day, ProLong Magazine salutes you for the amazing individual that you are and will continue to be with or without a partner.
Note: A significant other is not needed to enjoy these delicious wines.

The first thing that comes to mind is a nice sparkling dolce (or sweet) red wine. Banfi’s Rosa Regale is produced from the Brachetto d’Acqui grape. This being one of the few sparkling red wines, it is sure to please, and is also one of the few wines that pairs well with all kinds of chocolate. It offers a savory and sweet pairing. Banfi’s Rosa Regale has frothy, semi-sweet flavors of strawberry, cranberry and raspberry, and your palate will be enticed by aromas of rose petals. This retails for around $20.00. Banfi’s Rosa Regale

Moet & Chandon usually offers some very exciting gift packs this time of year. Look for Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose NV Chill Box. This bottle of fine champagne comes in an elegant pink container designed to maintain its ideal temperature for up to two hours. If you cannot find the Chill Box, the champagne is a great buy even without the accessories. This champagne can stand alone for sipping, or pairs well with steak, lobster or fresh strawberries. With or without the Chill Box, this Rose retails for around $50.00. Moet & Chandon

Next on the list, check out Montes Cherub Rose 2009. This should be marketed as the quintessential Valentine’s Day wine. The label shows an adorable chubby cherub, and the wine is absolutely delicious! Created from 100% Syrah, it is a seductive dry Rose with aromas of cherry and hints of spiciness. It supplies a lengthy finish with its excellent structure of tannins and acidity, making this a perfect wine to pair with any food. Montes Cherub is very reminiscent of a Tavel Rose from France, but with a much more appealing price tag at around $15.00. Montes Cherub

Some say that chocolate and wine cannot be paired together, but I disagree. I believe they actually complement each other, if paired correctly. Here are a few tips for pairing chocolate and wine:
• When pairing wine with dessert, always choose a wine that is sweeter than the food.
• Dark and bittersweet chocolates pair well with stronger red wines, such as robust styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah.
• A great Port would be wonderful with dark chocolate. The sweetness along with strong tannins makes a perfect complement.
• Milk chocolate and white chocolate pair better with lighter reds or sweeter white wines; I suggest Moscato d’Asti, Riesling or Orange Muscat with white chocolate. Whereas a Pinot Noir or a light bodied Merlot will complement milk chocolate.

Whatever wine you choose, make sure to remember the essentials; a corkscrew, some glasses, and great company! Happy Valentine’s Day!

As ProLong Magazine’s official Wine Expert, Pam J. Bernd is excited to share her knowledge and advice with readers and show that even the most hardcore beer drinker can become a fan of wine. Pam started her college years wanting to work in the field of Information and Technology. Bachelor’s degree in hand she started selling wine. After learning about the different regions that make up the wine world, she started teaching a beginners class. Now she purchases wine for a retail organization. Having moved from her home town, she always enjoy going home and hanging with friends.

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