When your sweetie asks, “What are our Valentines day plans?” you do NOT want to stand there like a ‘possum in the headlights with no answers or inspiration. It could quickly become a very uncomfortable situation.

When it comes to dining or entertainment ideas, you’ll have to search elsewhere. However, I do have some suggestions for romantic wines that can enhance your Valentines Day experience.

Style counts and matching your heartthrob’s tastes is the wisest. A massive red wine that impacts your senses like a Mack truck head-on at 65 miles per hour or a wimpy, delicate wallflower of a wine may not be the best choice. Ah, but a mellow, sense-stimulating expression of the noble grape, now that’s something that can heat things up.

Bubbly is the classic romantic beverage of novels and movies and has earned its reputation. The very mention of Champagne and caviar evokes images of a suave, romantic interlude.

True Champagne is from France’s Champagne district from specific grapes. The final fermentation that creates the bubbles occurs in the bottle. Other sparking wines made the same way are identified as Method Champenoise or Champagne Method wines. They are similar in style and substance to the French wines. Champagne-style wines, harmonious and refreshing, are especially versatile in pairing with food.

Unfortunately, there is a bit of confusion. Many consumers use the term “Champagne” not only for French Champagne or even Champagne-styled wines, but also other sparkling wines. My friend, there are serious differences in style and flavor.

Many countries produce sparkling wines that are not made by Champagne’s method or grape varieties. Though thoroughly enjoyable, they may lack the same fine texture, elegance and complexity (layered flavors) of the Champagne-style wines and are often fruiter. They include the popular Asti’s and other Spumanti, Prosecco and many others.

Sparkling wines can range from the thoroughly dry Brut to dessert wine sweet. Your choices include a richly complex, high-end vintage Champagne such as Dom Pérignon 1999; the flavorful Piper-Heidsieck Brut, a dependable NV (non-vintage) Champagne; one of the affordable, worthy domestic sparkling wines; or a Spumante, Martini & Rossi being one of the better known. Decide what level of sugar best suits you, and a knowledgeable wine seller can help you find the ideal bottle of bubbly.

My pick? Are you nuts? The ‘99 Dom P of course, but not ‘till I win the lottery. For those of us with cost issues, it’s hard to beat the Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma, California Brut. It’s smooth, rich and creamy with hints of black cherry, vanilla, ginger and a hint of sweet lemon. It finishes with a long, refreshing aftertaste. Yum. I could drink this stuff all night…and, well, I have.

There are many still (un-carbonated) dry white wines available to choose from, but a well-balanced, mellow Chardonnay is one that can help set an equally mellow mood. Paired with poultry, pasta with cream sauce, or succulently sauced pork tenderloin, you’re experiencing some beautiful, but not heavy, flavors.

The Bernardus 2004 from California is smooth, rich and has a buttery creaminess. It’s bursting with aromas of tropical fruit and citrus with a hint of toast and spice. It’s one yummy Chard’ a reasonable price.

Classy, elegant and refined describe the qualities of a good Pinot Noir. Though a light-to-medium bodied red wine, Pinot can be quite rich and complex with layers of tantalizing flavors. It is a wonderful wine to share with that special someone, particularly if the food is also of medium intensity such as Salmon with capers or a roast of Filet Mignon.

Argyle 2005 Estate Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley is one that offers good value from a region widely considered USA’s finest for Pinot. Its fresh fruit flavors and silky texture make it “romance in the glass.”

A full-bodied red wine is a wonderful complement to many full-flavored foods, or can be quite satisfying alone. They best complement red meat and game, grilled foods, rich pasta dishes, and richly flavored cheeses.

The Orin Swift Prisoner is a mix of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. While ripe, hearty and full-bodied, it is still voluptuously smooth on the palate with juicy aromas and dark-fruit flavors.

For those of you who prefer your wine sweeter, but still want something intriguing, Maximin Grünhäuser’s 2004 Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett from Germany is flavorful and elegant. It offers complex aromas and rich fruit flavors with a delicate, refreshing acidity. Riesling is an ideal partner for many foods: poultry, seafood, and most spicy cuisines all pair nicely with this varietal.

Chocolate is to Valentine’s Day what turkey is to Thanksgiving. Port, especially vintage Porto, is a perfect pairing with chocolate whose flavors resonate with the fruit-focused red ports.

The character ports are a reasonably priced alternative to vintage Porto.
 They offer similar flavors to vintage and are superior to ruby ports. Fonseca’s Bin 27 or Sandeman Founder’s Reserve are fine character ports that enhance the qualities of chocolate and chocolate-flavored desserts, or are delicious by themselves.

These suggestions are only a few of the choices available. Do thoughts of Italy, South America or New Zealand stir your romantic soul? What other grape or style of wine excites your senses and enflames the embers in your belly? A silky, intense Petite Syrah? Maybe a sweet Canadian Ice-wine will be the one to melt your lover’s heart.

Even if wine isn’t your preference, micro-brewed and imported beer, pre-mixed drinks, liqueurs and other spirits are available in incredible variety.

No matter which special wine or beverage you choose to share with your heart’s desire, it is your “aide-de-camp,” there to help you kindle the fires of passion and let them know how special they are.

May your Valentine’s Day be overflowing with warmth, love and tenderness.

Ron Hull
Winetree Liquors East
476-8141