The Best Types of Wine for Valentine’s Day

Of course, any evening with a nice bottle of wine is a good one. But, what about those special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re celebrating your first Valentine’s Day as a couple or your 40th one, taking the time to fix a delicious meal and appreciate your time together is one way to make the occasion memorable.

And nothing can complement a perfect Valentine’s Day meal quite like the ideal bottle of wine. Whether your plans consist of the ultimate snack spread and a movie or a candlelit gourmet feast, here are some of the best types of wine to include in your Valentine’s Day plans this year.

Champagne as a Classic Choice

Of course, champagne is probably the first thing most people think of when it comes to celebrating love. A sparkling wine produced in northern France, champagne is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes and can come in a variety of styles. Some foods that pair well with champaign include fish and lobster, anything with mushrooms, scrambled eggs (think brunch), cheese, pasta with cream sauce, and even potato chips.

Chardonnay with Your Cheese Platter

It’s hard not to picture sitting by a roaring fire having a glass of wine and some cheese with the one you love. After all, wine and cheese are the perfect pairing. Chardonnay is always a good choice for your wine and cheese time, but you can make adjustments depending on what type of cheese you plan to serve. For example, Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine. So, it pairs well with semi-soft and soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and gruyere.

Chianti with a Pasta Dish

If you’re planning a simple, romantic Italian dinner for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to pair your pasta with the right Italian wine. A classic Chianti is a medium-bodied red wine that is an excellent choice with tomato-based pasta dishes. Check out a Chianti Classico, referring to wine from the original zone where the vintage originated. If you are planning to serve creamy pasta dishes, you might want to opt for a chardonnay instead.

Pinot Noir with a Charcuterie Board

If you want to go beyond a cheese plate to a full charcuterie board, you may wish to choose a rose or light red wine with higher acidity like Pinot Noir. This is the world’s most popular light red wine because it has soft tannins and notes of strawberry, earth, and rose, making it slightly sweet. This type of wine goes well with those same soft and semi-soft cheeses as well as the meats, nuts, and other items you’ll find on a charcuterie board.

Cabernet Sauvignon for Meat-lovers

Maybe your special dinner plans call for cooking a nice cut of meat like a Chateaubriand, Porterhouse, Ribeye, or Filet Mignon. If you and your loved one are meat lovers, a bottle of cabernet sauvignon is an excellent choice. Made from the world’s most popular grape variety, this wine is grown in warm climates like California. It gives a dry, rich, spicy, and fruity flavor, which pairs well with red meat dishes.

Valpolicella with Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? Some couples wait for a special occasion to make or order a pizza. Or maybe you would rather spend your time together rather than cooking and cleaning dishes. Either way, an Italian red wine with moderate tannins is the ideal match for your Valentine’s pizza meal. Valpolicella is a medium-bodied red wine that is light, dry, and fresh, making it a perfect match for various types of pizza. More specifically, try Valpolicella Russo, which will have hints of black and red cherry along with herbs that complement the pizza’s tomato sauce.

Riesling with a Spicy Meal

If your Valentine’s Day meal is going to have an extra kick to it, make sure you pair it with a Riesling. This aromatic, slightly sweet white wine is the perfect complement to any spicy dish. So, if you plan to have Mexican, Indian, or Thai food, the low alcohol and sweetness of the Riesling will temper some of the heat of the meal.

Let Nick’s of Clinton Help With Your Wine Choices

If you have any questions about choosing the right wine for your Valentine’s Day celebration or any other meal, feel free to ask one of our associates directly. Nick’s of Clinton has a dedicated liquor department, offering one of the largest varieties of wine, beer, and spirits in Southern Maryland – at the lowest prices. We are always happy to assist with suggestions or even place a special order for your upcoming event.