On Valentine’s Day, Let Wine Do The Talking

OK lovers, it’s time to start preparing your Valentine’s Day strategy. The key question is: What message are you trying to send? Give this some serious thought, because—trust me—your wine selection can help subtly communicate your desires. Oh la la!

The Courtship Phase

Are you in the beginning of a relationship? Focus on romance. Consider presenting your Valentine with a bottle of 2012 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($28), a lush California wine that, along with a bouquet of tulips,  is a lovely gesture for a new love. Want to be a little more aggressive? Grab a bottle of 2009 Wild Rock Cupid’s Arrow ($15).  I am also a big fan of 2013 Il Palagio When We Dance ($18), which is 95 percent Sangiovese. Since Il Palagio is Sting’s winery, why not compile a playlist of his romantic songs to listen to while you sip a glass side-by-side? Sounds like an interesting night to me!

So what do you really want?

Past the initial courtship but not quite to the serious phase? Well then, how ‘bout you use the wine to clue your valentine in to what you want next? On one end of the spectrum is 2012 Interlude by Waters Winery ($28). According to Merriam Webster, an interlude can be a brief romantic or sexual meeting. Indeed. I’m not even going to get into the Menage a Trois Midnight ($12) other than to say, good luck. If you’re aiming for the other end of the spectrum, try the renowned Washington winery Fidelitas, whose name means faithfulness, fidelity and loyalty. My favorite Fidelitas wine is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Quintessence Vineyard ($60). With its aromas of dark chocolate and cherries—mmm–this and a box of chocolates would be a solid statement of your intentions.

Ahhh LOVE!

Finally, if you are in an established relationship, why not go for wines that focus on love . Make it splashy with a bottle from the tiny Les Amoureuses (“The Lovers”) wine-growing area of France. Located within Burgundy, Les Amoureuses is known for balanced, beautiful reds. Bottles can go for up to $600, but one of the more approachable producers, Domaine Arnoit Servelle, makes a great wine for $190. Perhaps a bit expensive? Another wonderful French option is a bottle of 2015 Domaine des Billards, Saint-Amour ($20). Saint-Amour is a specific area within the Beaujolais region. Its wines are known for being light and approachable with flavors of soft red fruits. Another option is a recent find for me: Love and Squalor 2013 Pinot Noir from Oregon ($28). I love this wine and I also like the message–for richer and for poorer, etc.

So go forth wine lovers. May you create all of the romance your heart desires. Cheers!