11 romantic wine and food pairings for Valentine's Day
Ah, Valentine’s Day – that special day for lovers… and for lovers of champagne, judging by the offers in the shops. But while a glass of fizz is the traditional toast to romance, there are other wines, each as wonderful in their own way, that you can uncork to spoil that special someone. Match them with the right food and - along with the flavours of the dish - and they all sparkle.
Serve a sensuous selection of wines tailored to each course to keep taste buds intrigued throughout a romantic dinner. Still wines with natural acidity, such as Picpoul de Pinet and Chablis, are perfection with a first course or a lighter main. And unless you plan to move on to a sweeter-style “pudding” wine, such as a Moscato d'Asti or a Banyuls, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dry wine that’s as good a match for dessert.
Whatever you cook to celebrate l’amour, these perfect pairings of ingredients and grape will maximise flavour and sensation. There’s a great match to be had, from starter to the post-prandial chocolate box.
And if romance turns out not to be on the menu, at least your other appetites will be thoroughly, enjoyably satisfied…
Romantic wines
Nuria Stylianou is our WSET-qualified wine and spirits columnist. Email her on [email protected]
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