Whether you're spending Valentine's day with family or a special date, the wine you choose will set the tone for the evening.
So what wine should you choose? How expensive should it be? What is a safe wine that everyone likes?
If you're stressed about what kind of wine to purchase, this guide has all the answers you need to create a memorable evening.
Casual Date
If you're spending Valentine's Day with someone relatively new and don't know what they like, go for a bottle of classic champagne like the Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne. This French champagne is based on the popular Pinot Noir grape, making it a safe bet for anyone. In addition, this champagne is budget-friendly and critically acclaimed by Wine Spectator, Wine and Spirits, and Wine Enthusiast.
If you want to spend a little more ($35), the Contratto For England Rosé is ideal. It has a pale pink color to set the mood for your Valentine's Day date and has bright notes of strawberry and orange peels. This full-bodied Italian champagne will pair splendidly with dark chocolates and is also a 100 percent Pinot Noir based champagne.
Luxurious Date
Are you planning to treat your date to something a little more luxurious? Consider the Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Rosé Champagne ($60). This sleek rosé is a vivid pink with plenty of fruity flavors to set the mood for Valentine's Day. Enjoy notes of raspberry, orange peels, and hints of pastry.
Another great option is the Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon ($56). This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon will impress your date with notes of black cherry, pomegranate, and dried cranberries.
A final option that will delight your date is the Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino ($72). This deep red Italian wine is one of the most highly rated wines by Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, and James Suckling. It has vibrant acidity with cherry, strawberry, and floral notes that build to a long finish.
Friends
If you're celebrating Galentine's Day, enjoy a floral sparkling wine like the Natale Verga Prosecco. This wine has plenty of citrus notes and a full body to make it a perfect match for dark chocolate with your friends.
For those wondering what the difference between sparkling wine and champagne is, “sparkling wine is an umbrella term, and champagne is included under that umbrella. In other words, all champagnes are sparkling wines, though it is only one of many types of sparkling wines.” - WineDeals.com.
However, if you want a medium-bodied dark red wine, the Meiomi Pinot Noir is a great choice. This crowd-pleaser has notes of cedar, raspberry, strawberry, and the occasional vanilla hints.
It's also reasonably priced, so you can enjoy a few guilt-free rounds with friends!
Solo
Don't hesitate to open a bottle yourself and enjoy a relaxed evening at home this Valentine's Day. If you want a French Merlot/Cabernet, the Château La Fontaine de Genin Bordeaux is a great choice. This option is affordable and pairs well with beef dinners or something as casual as pizza. It has a deep purple color and savory notes of plum and blackberry.
However, if you're craving a full-bodied red wine packed with berries, the Fighting Brothers Saxon Brown Zinfandel is a great choice. You'll enjoy notes of blueberry pie and even hints of chocolate box, making it perfect for Valentine's Day.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of how you plan to spend Valentine’s Day this year, your celebration won’t be complete without a festive wine. So if you’re struggling to find the perfect wine, use this list to delight even the most selective palettes.
From planning a proposal to a quiet night inside, there’s a wine on here to make it memorable!
About the Author
Jon Notarius learned about wine from a young age from his dad, Burton Notarius, the founder of the nationally-recognized store, Premier Wine & Spirits, in Buffalo. In 2002, Jon founded Prestige Wine & Spirits, which quickly became recognized as a market leader amongst wine retailers. In fact, in 2007, Prestige Wine & Spirits received one of the industry’s highest honors — the prestigious “Leaders” award from Market Watch, a trade magazine from the publishers of Wine Spectator.
Following his father's passing in 2014, Jon returned to Premier Wine & Spirits to manage the store that Burt had founded in 1969, placing considerable emphasis on growing the store's online business, WineDeals.com. Jon’s extensive travels through many of the world’s wine regions, along with decades of tasting wines, have given him a broad palate. He lists Italy and France as his two favorite places, for both their wine and their food.
