Wine for a romantic evening

Contents:

1. Sparkling wines
2. Red wines
3. White wines
4. Rosé wines
5. A selection of wines for a romantic evening, taking into account different tastes and preferences

I think everyone can easily name the most popular festive wine. Champagne is a win-win option, appropriate for New Year’s, birthdays and other holidays. But a romantic evening is a delicate matter. Here, the choice of wine can be a real puzzle. It is important to think not only about your personal preferences, but also about the tastes of your beloved one. And if one of you drinks only red wines, and the other only white, finding a compromise in the rich world of wine is quite possible.

There are several general rules for choosing wine. By following them, you can choose a wine that matches the theme of the evening:

1. Alcohol content. If the indicator is high, then pay attention to your main menu. One salad or fruit will not be enough.
2. The component of wine – tannins, will also not be your ally at a light dinner. Wine rich in this component will go better with a juicy steak, which is not quite appropriate for a light dinner.

Therefore, let’s put such wines aside for other occasions.

3. Sweet wines. One glass of sweet wine will be quite appropriate with dessert or cheese. But be sure to take into account that the content of 150-180 g / l of residual sugar (or even more, like in Sauternes or Tokaj), will not be easy to drink and enjoyable for everyone. Also, given the modern trend towards dry wines, such a choice may be risky.
4. High acidity of the wine. For example, Riesling from the Mosel region or young Chenin from the Loire Valley may not be to everyone’s taste if you do not choose dishes that soften the acidity.
5. Specific aroma and taste. Here, much depends on the discernment in wines. If your other half is a professional sommelier who is not averse to discovering something new, then stop at a ten-year-old Riesling with the famous “smell of gasoline” or a slightly “meaty” aroma of Mourvedre, try the explosive sweet aroma and oily texture of Gewürtstraminer. A real sommelier will appreciate your choice.

Which wine will truly be the highlight of the evening? Let’s look at specific examples and features of pairing with dishes.

Sparkling wines

A classic for centuries – Champagne. An excellent choice to highlight the special features of a romantic evening. Refined, mineral-citrus Blanc de Blancs, serious Blanc de Noirs, complexe Champagne Millesimé – these wines will go well with the most exquisite dishes, such as oysters, lobsters, foie gras, black caviar and even truffles.

A simpler aperitif, such as a selection of seafood or cheeses (except for pronounced ones, such as Munster, and blue cheeses, such as Roquefort), would be best served with non-vintage champagne, while ham such as cured meat and duck breast, smoked or fried, would be best served with romantic champagne rosé.

An alternative to classic sparkling wine.

Italian Franchacorta (Franciacorta). It is produced using the same traditional method of second fermentation in the bottle (and also in most cases from the “champagne” Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). These wines are comparable in quality to champagne. However, their cost can be significantly lower than that of the French analog (about 20-30€ for non-vintage wine and about 40-50€ for vintage, while alternatives from Champagne can cost 30-40€ and 50-70€, respectively). In addition, Franciacorta exports significantly less than champagne, which makes this wine not only a great alternative, but also gives it uniqueness.

French crémant is a French sparkling wine made like champagne — in the traditional way with a mandatory minimum period of aging on the lees. Its peculiarity is that it is not made in the Champagne region and usually using local varieties, which may not always be the trio of “Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier”. Its cost is about 10-15€ and less, and the quality is quite decent.

German or Austrian sekt (sekt). Crémant and Austrian sekt are similar in cost. And German is mostly inexpensive and simple. It is worth noting that now winemakers produce impressive sekt, made in the traditional way from grapes from selected areas. The price of such an exquisite sekt can reach the cost of champagne.

Continuing with the topic of sparkling wines, it is impossible not to mention Prosecco. At one time, it acquired a reputation as an inexpensive mass-produced wine, but it should not be completely discounted. Winemakers in the Prosecco region take into account modern global trends in wine consumption – a shift in consumer interests in favor of dry and higher-quality drinks – and produce worthy sparkling wines. Surprisingly floral, with small delicate bubbles, such drinks do not force you to expensive dishes and will be an appropriate accompaniment to a romantic evening.

Pay attention, but whether there is an indication of the name on the wine in addition to the name Prosecco. The territory of Conegliano Valdobbiadene and its designated Rive areas (slopes with favorable exposure and soil quality) are the area that produces the highest quality grapes, from which serious Prosecco is obtained.

Original choice

Natural wines are currently in a special position – they are becoming quite popular. The same applies to sparkling natural wines. The so-called Pét-Nat (short for “pétillant naturel”) can be found even in gourmet restaurants.

However, in my opinion, choosing natural wine for a romantic evening is a rather risky decision. Such wines often have a pronounced aroma of baked apples and pears, which is not to everyone’s taste.

Red wines

Dedicated to connoisseurs of red wine:

Classic red wines

A good year’s Bordeaux, which has already opened up and softened the tannins. Here it is not even necessary to focus on the exceptionality of the year.

Do you prefer a soft Burgundy wine like Monthélie or Volnay? You have excellent taste! Also consider Cru Saint-Amour from Beaujolais, which has a reputation for being the most delicate of the Cru Beaujolais wines. And on Valentine’s Day, Saint-Amour is even more of a draw, thanks to its name that speaks for itself.

An Alternative to Classic Red Wines

Finding a good Bordeaux at an affordable price is not difficult. Yes, there are wines on the market that have proven themselves over the years and have earned a reputation for being expensive and prestigious, such as the Grands Crus Classés. But such drinks make up no more than 3% of the total number of châteaux. Imagine the scale of underrated alternative wines!

Thus, alternatives to more expensive wines of Saint-Emilion can be found among its satellites: the Montagne Saint-Emilion, Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion and Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion. To the communal appellations of the Médoc (Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien, etc.) – in the wider Haut-Médoc (Haut-Médoc) and regional Médoc. And to the relatively young but prestigious appellation of Pessac-Léognan: in the historical region of Graves.

Connoisseurs of Burgundy and Pinot Noir can find an alternative among the red wines of the Sancerre region in the Loire Valley or Limoux from Languedoc, made also from Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir from the New World, New Zealand’s Marlborough or the Australian island of Tasmania are a good choice for those who like to “travel” to another continent with wine.

Original red wine

Have you ever tried red wine with strawberry or cherry flavor? It is really original!

Wine from the Freisa variety (whose name even resembles the French word “fraise”, which means strawberry) from the Italian Piedmont, with a juicy berry taste, in which strawberries and red currants are most clearly felt. With high acidity and a low level of tannins, this refreshing wine will be a harmonious addition to light snacks.

Red, slightly sparkling Lambrusco, has a low but noticeable level of residual sugar and a rich, aromatic bouquet of wild berries, a pronounced note of cherry and a slightly noticeable pepper. It is a great aperitif and goes well with various products.

White wines

Now let’s look at white wines.

Classic white wines:

Wines from the Graves region (Bordeaux) and Chablis or Saint-Romain (Burgundy). They are distinguished by a shorter period of aging in barrels or its absence.

As a gastronomic experiment, you can consider the oily and spicy Pessac-Léognan and Meursault. But the classics are classics. They should be calm, charming and stately, which can be said about Bordeaux and Burgundy, described above.

Alternative to the classic white wines

Austrian Grüner Veltliner from Wachau with its typical “peppery” touch and Italian Pecorino from Apulia and Marche with a bright aroma of acacia and honey have a good structure, sufficient acidity and a medium body. They will be able to highlight dishes and add originality to combinations.

Original white wines

Here I will note amber wines from the Collio region, which is located in northern Italy.

Sauvignon Blanc, which undergoes the process of maceration with the skins, acquires a deep color, bright taste and aroma, unlike the more famous Sauvignon Blanc profile (citrusy, herbaceous, mineral for French wines from the Loire Valley and fruity-exotic for wines from New Zealand).

And Pinot Grigio or Malvasia with their light peach-lemon aroma will impress any connoisseur of white wines.

Rosé wines

Don’t exclude them from your sight, they are valuable in their own way and can bring a bit of romance to your evening.

Classic Rosé Wines

Many wine regions of Provence can truly be called the birthplace of rosé wines. They specialize in rosé wines, while red and white wines are produced in significantly smaller quantities.

Crus Classés of Provence have a special status of “gastronomic” rosé wines. They are an order of magnitude more expensive than any rosé wine from Provence, but at the same time they are characterized by a more “vinous” structure, close to red wine, and a richer bouquet. They are combined with many products and light dishes.

The Tavel region is also called the “king” of rosé wines. The local wines are darker than Provencal wines, slightly tart, and even closer to red wines, thanks to a short maceration with the skins.

An alternative to classic rosé wines

Tavel’s neighbours, Luberon and Ventoux, offer less intense rosé wines that are closer to Provencal rosés. A worthy replacement with a good price/quality ratio.

Original rosé wines

In Sicily, on the slopes of Mount Etna, winemakers grow local varieties on volcanic soils and make both white and red wines, as well as original rosé wines with notes of dried herbs, pronounced acidity, minerality and body, thanks to the generous Italian sun.

Fortified wines and spirits

Romance comes in many forms. If you are a connoisseur of port or sherry, you will easily find the right drink.

But if you still decide to go with wine, then the selection presented below from my personal tasting experience will help you.

A selection of wines for a romantic evening, taking into account different tastes and preferences

Sparkling wines. Classics: Champagne Besserat de Bellefon

One of my favorite Champagne houses.

The elegant style of its wines is distinguished by amazing freshness and lightness. The lemon-mineral bouquet, complemented by brioche, high but harmonious acidity and a delicate, enveloping perlage (or “sparkle”) with small bubbles, thanks to long aging on the lees, will be a delicate complement to light seafood appetizers.

Sparkling wines. Alternative to the classics: Franciacorta, Berluccih ‘61 Satèn

An ideal and extraordinary solution for a light aperitif.

I recommend paying attention to Berlucchi ’61 Satin – 100% Chardonnay, aged on lees for 24 months and having very delicate bubbles, due to lower pressure, compared to champagne (maximum 5 atmospheres, not 6).

It was at this historic winery in 1961 where the first sparkling wine of Lombardy, made in the traditional way, appeared. And later, thanks to its quality, it earned the status of a protected geographical indication.

Today, in memory of this contribution to the history of Italian winemaking, Berlucchi produces a whole line of wines under the ’61 label, which best reflects the classics of Franciacorta.

Another alternative to the classic sparkling wine: Prosecco Biancavigna Conegliano Valdobbiadene

Blancavigna Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene is an aromatic, floral Prosecco with a hint of stone fruit, has good acidity and concentration, and a convincing aftertaste. It is perfect for an Italian-style evening – an aperitif “antipasti” or pasta with seafood.

The Prosecco Biancavigna line also includes the simple but pleasant Prosecco DOC. Conegliano Valdobbiadene can be called more serious with the designation Rive, the brut category and extra-dry. I recommend paying attention to Conegliano Valdobbiadene, which does not reflect the specifics of a separate Rive slope, but is a quality Prosecco.

Original choice: Biancavigna Sui Lieviti Spumante Brut Nature.

For those who follow trends, do not miss the Prosecco “col fondo”. These wines have a second fermentation, which gives them sparkle, in the bottle, not in vats, and are not subject to disgorgement, i.e. the wine is sold with sediment and may be a little cloudy.

Pét-nat from the Loire Valley and the Chenin Blanc variety are suitable for a separate tasting. Only one fermentation, which begins in vats and ends in a closed bottle, allows it to retain carbon dioxide and acquire sparkle.

Prosecco col fondo can be an interesting compromise between the usual profile of sparkling wine and the original pét-nat.

Classic red wines. Bordeaux: Château Léoville-Poyferré Saint–Julien 2005.

For one of the romantic evenings dedicated to Valentine’s Day, I chose the red wine Grand Cru Classé from the prestigious Médoc region Saint-Julien (Saint Julien) 2005.

Even in a small bottle (and it is known that the smaller its volume, the faster the wine develops) this almost twenty-year-old wine at the time of tasting had all the signs of youth and potential for further aging: excellent concentration, velvety tannins, a surprisingly long aftertaste and only just emerging tertiary notes.

Wines of the Saint-Julien name are also said to have the power of Saint-Estèphe wines and the elegance of Margaux. This gives them special value.

Classic red wines. Burgundy: Domaine Potinet-Ampeau. Monthélie 1er Cru 1991.

I can’t leave out the Domaine Potinet-Ampeau wine, which I once chose in a restaurant for another romantic dinner. Almost twenty-three-year-old Burgundy had more distinct tertiary notes of forest floor, mushrooms and tobacco, this bouquet of a fairly mature wine was picked up by ripe fresh berries, soft tannins and a fairly rich body. At that time, its price was less than 50€, which is considered quite inexpensive for Burgundy.