Valentines Day Wine Guide

Finding Your Valentines Day Wine Bottle

As Valentine's Day approaches, the air becomes infused with love and excitement. This celebrated day of affection has a rich history, dating back to ancient times and continues to bring lovers together every year on February 14th. It's the perfect time to indulge in a romantic atmosphere with a well-chosen wine for a romantic date night, a gathering with friends, or a cozy solo celebration.

Unveiling The History Of Valentine

The origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. This festival, celebrating the arrival of spring, involved fertility rites and rather forced matchmaking of women with men. However, in the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I banned Lupercalia, paving the way for what would eventually become St. Valentine's Day. The true origin remains shrouded in mystery, as historical records are vague at best.

While there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the holiday may have derived its name from a priest martyred around 270 CE by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. Legend has it that this priest, confined to prison, signed a letter to his jailer's daughter with the words "from your Valentine." Another popular legend tells of St. Valentine defying the emperor's orders and clandestinely marrying couples to spare husbands from war. This act of love and defiance solidified the association of Valentine's feast day with matters of the heart. Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the days exact origin, the association with love blossomed in the 14th century.

Formal valentine messages emerged in the 1500s, and by the late 1700s, commercially printed cards made their debut. In the mid-1800s, the first commercial valentines appeared in the United States. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the country by individuals expressing their love to one another through gifts and gestures.

Your Valentine Wine Guide

Now that we've unraveled the history, let's turn our attention to the present and explore the ideal Valentine’s Day wine to pair with different celebrations. Wine, with its ancient allure, has long been considered an aphrodisiac, heightening the senses, and creating an atmosphere of intimacy, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day gift and companion.

The Celebratory Choice - Champagne

When it comes to creating an atmosphere of elegance and celebration, Champagne stands out as the perfect choice. With its versatility in pairings, and touch of luxury, Champagne is bound to complement the joy and romance of this special day. A Champagne like the 2006 Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs goes beautifully with anything it is paired with and instantly creates a celebratory moment from the second it is opened.

According to the infamous wine critic Antonio Galloni It “is every bit as racy and seductive as it has always been. It’s a great, great vintage for Comtes.” -AG for VM Dec. 2022 Another beautiful choice is the NV Krug, Rose, Champagne, taking the theme of the day to a higher level. This beautiful rosé Champagne will not only compliment the day of love with its subtle pink hue, but it will also take you on a sensory journey of pure aromatic expression. From its enchanting aroma to its lively bubbles and lingering finish, each sip of this Krug Rosé invites you and your loved one on a captivating journey of sensations, creating a truly memorable Valentine's Day experience.

To elevate your Valentine's Day celebration, pair your Champagne with fresh oysters. This classic combination is a match made in culinary heaven. The briny freshness of the oysters harmonizes with the bright acidity and notes of brioche of the Champagne, creating a symphony of flavors. Oysters are also rumored to be a natural aphrodisiac, making them the perfect Valentine’s day food by enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

Depth & Warmth

Elegance From New World To Old World

The full-bodied nature of a Cabernet Sauvignon or a deep Italian red lends itself beautifully to the rich and cozy atmosphere associated with Valentine's Day. Whether you're enjoying a home-cooked meal or dining at a fine restaurant, the wine's structure complements hearty dishes and enhances the overall experience, expressing a commitment to celebrating love with the very best. For a unique Valentine's Day celebration, consider indulging in a bottle of the 2012 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon. This historic estate gained fame as one of the winning participants in the infamous Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that put Napa Valley wines on the global map.

Take your celebration to the next level with an elaborate "wine-experience-date-night." Immerse yourself in the world of wine by recreating the Judgment of Paris tasting. Open the Chateau Montelena bottle and indulge in its complex flavors while watching the entertaining movie "Bottle Shock," which beautifully captures the essence of that world-famous blind tasting. In the realm of exceptional wines, the 2005 Chateau L'Eglise-Clinet stands tall, ready to elevate your Valentine's Day celebration to new heights. The Bordeaux region is celebrated for producing wines that epitomize sophistication, and the 2005 Château Clinet is no exception. This Pomerol estate crafted a wine that has become legendary for its exceptional quality, making it an ideal selection for a special occasion. This Clinet is known for its opulent character, with a perfect blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. This balance creates a wine that is rich, structured, and deeply satisfying—perfect for a celebration of love.

Moving from Bordeaux to Italy, another incredible choice to cherish this special day is a Bruno Giacosa, a legendary Italian winemaker whose artistry has produced some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Whether it’s the stunning 2004 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa Asili Riserva, Barbaresco or the kaleidoscopic 1990 Bruno Giacosa, Falletto di Serralunga d'Alba Riserva, Barolo, these wines embody the essence of sophistication and style, making them a fitting choice for a romantic rendezvous.

Elegance & Finesse – Burgundys Finest

Nothing expresses finesse and elegance better than a white or red Burgundy. The beauty of Burgundian Pinot Noir lies in its silky texture, nuanced flavors, and delicate red fruit notes. These characteristics create a sensory experience that perfectly aligns with the enchantment of Valentine's Day. For a truly special Valentine's Day, consider indulging in one of Domaine Dujac's beautiful Pinot Noirs for a perfectly balanced, silky Pinot Noir. It’s aromatics of cherries, orange peel and red stone fruit, underlined by floral notes, express the vulnerable, pure, and charming side of Valentines day.

Not only does Domaine Dujac make incredible Pinot Noirs, but they are also known to craft some of the best Burgundian white wine on the market. Dujac’s Puligny-Montrachet offer a vibrant combination of citrus, orchard fruit, and minerality making it a fresh and delightful Valentines day wine.

A Touch Of Magic

This Valentine's Day, let the gift of wine enhance your celebration, whether you're on a romantic date, enjoying the company of friends, or treating yourself to a solo evening. From the robust Cabernet Sauvignon to the elegant Pinot Noir and the timeless allure of Champagne, each bottle tells a story and adds a touch of magic to your special day.

Cheers!