We confess that here at Girl Meets Grape, we shamelessly espouse the art of indulgence. Below are some favorite libations to consider for Valentine's -- what better time to break the bank a bit, when the pay-off is a lot more fun than at other gift-giving occasions? Wine is inherently sensual, as it's all about aromas and texture; just as your lover's signature scent or familiar skin can be transportive, so too can an amazing bottle of wine become a passport to another time and place. Russell Stover's candies from Rite Aid with a bottle of Yellow Tail shiraz might equal affordable fun, but it ain't going to make for true love, ya'll. Raise the stakes.
By the way, no sweetie to spoil this year? Spoil yourself! Repeat after me: I deserve a good glass of wine, or two or three, depending on your romantic mindset around February 14th. But if you do kick that whole bottle, remember that room-temperature water -- three full pint glasses of it before bedtime with a two Advil chaser -- is your new best Valentine's friend. Or so I hear... :)
Chateau Calon-Ségur, Saint-Estèphe (Bordeaux, France)
From the Left Bank commune of St.-Estèphe in Bordeaux comes this legendary bottle of cabernet sauvignon-based wine. This is serious wine worth cellaring and saving for a few years, so look for a more recent vintage to stash away or buy a highly rated vintage from years gone by to enjoy more immediately.
Côtes-du-Rhône, "Mon Coeur," J.L. Chave (Rhône Valley, France)
Made by the Rhône legend Jean-Louis Chave, this is traditionally a blend of classic grapes like syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre. It's rich and earthy, with notes of bacon and spice that will complement a variety of Valentine's dinner ideas from lamb chops to steak with peppercorn sauce.
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, "Les Amoureuses," Joseph Drouhin (Burgundy, France)
Oh, how I love this "lovers" pinot noir, from one of my favorite little vineyards in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. Chambolle wines tend to be all about delicacy and femininity, so this is a style of pinot noir that has lots of soft, silky textures with subtle notes of cherry, anise, and green herbs.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, Champagne (Mareuil-sur-Ay, France)
If you're not familiar with this Champagne house, you're missing out! Too many Americans buy only the most recognizable Champagnes with big names like Moët's Dom Pérignon or Roederer's Cristal. If I had to pick a favorite producer for myself, then Billecart would be right near the top of the list. This non-vintage brut rosé will have your tastebuds singing.
Brachetto d'Acqui, "Rose Regale," Castello di Banfi (Piedmont, Italy)
I am convinced that this may be the one universally delicious wine product that appeals to every human on Earth. While Brachetto's bubbles aren't as well known as its Italian counterparts like prosecco or moscato sparklers, this bottling from Banfi might well change that. I frequently give this as a gift, and have received rave reviews time and time again.
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Okay, so it's not technically wine, but this Godiva concoction paired with a simple bowl of ripe strawberries is a recipe for runaway Valentine's success. It may well be the liquid form of sin, and is well worth the calories if you're looking to skip dinner altogether, have a symbolic dessert of sorts, and get on to the real business of Valentine's!
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