Good Wines for Valentines

By Richard Saxton on Feb 8, 12 05:27 PM in

I'm a bit on the fence in general about Valentines' Day. I don't like feeling obliged to go out for a ludicrously overpriced meal at a table just 4 inches away from the next table with a host of other couples, most of whom aren't speaking to each other and are only out due to the sheer obligation of it all. I'd much rather get some nice food in and spend some of the money you've saved on a nice bottle of wine. With the wife of course.... I probably should have added that sooner. So, with that in mind I've set out some ideas below:

Freixenet - Elyssia Pinot Noir Rosado Brut NV (Cava, Spain) (£14.99 - Waitrose)
Given that pink wine is pretty much compulsory on Valentines' Day, or so we're told, then it's only right that I include one in this column. Cava is woefully underrated in my view and this wine from one of Cava's biggest producers shows just what the region can achieve. This is a fantastic Pinot Noir based wine with a nice pink hue but none of the artificial sweet notes that cheap pink wines can have. At only £14.99 in Waitrose it's a budget friendly option too.

Jim Barry Wines - The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2009 (Clare Valley, Australia) (£12.49 - Majestic)
Back onto a more manly note! If you're after a wine for that special man in your life, or maybe just fancy a manly wine, then this is a beauty. This is a luxuriously smooth wine full of blackberry notes that is perfect for drinking at this time of year. A comfort wine if ever there was one.

Lindauer - Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs NV (Marlborough, New Zealand) (£12.99 - Majestic)
This is made from just Chardonnay grapes, one of the three allowable grapes that go into making Champagne. I love the biscuit flavours in this wine and the slight citrus notes intermingled within. This also has a special place in my heart as it was the wine I chose to serve at my wedding last year. Can there be a better recommendation? This is champagne quality at a fraction of the price!

Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste 2003 (Bordeaux, France) (£51.00 - Connolly's, Birmingham)
If you're looking to impress then you'll probably do so with this. From one of Bordeaux's premier estates this is a very classy wine indeed. Yes it's pricey, but you'll remember it for a while.... Let it breathe for about an hour in a decanter or just a jug before you drink, it'll be worth it!