The Bath & Wiltshire Parent’s wine columnist, Ben Franks FRSA, shares his favourite romantic wines in time for Valentine’s date night.
Got your Valentine’s plans sorted? Not everyone celebrates this romantic day, perhaps because of its Christian martyr legend – or more likely because remembering birthdays, anniversaries and to do your Christmas shopping in good time is enough stress for any partner.
Nevertheless, Valentine’s doesn’t have to be a big deal. We all deserve something special and we rarely need to have an excuse for it. So when an event like Valentine’s delivers an excuse to spend quality time with your other half on a silver platter, let’s get on and lap it up.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to turn off the telly and enjoy a meal with a good glass of wine. You can cook or order a takeaway. Or even if you like the telly, why not snuggle up in front of a good movie with a bottle of something warming? Already sounds lush, doesn’t it?
To make it as painless as possible and get you to that moment in a heartbeat, here’s my guide to six of the finest Valentine’s vinos you could ask for…
If you’re the kind of couple who like to cook together, then think fizz. Blare out some good tunes on your speakers, turntables or via one of those Alexa robots and pop the cork on a bottle of sparkling wine while you cook up a storm. Waldschutz Sparkling Extra Dry NV (£19.99, Novel Wines) from the Wagram and Kamptal regions along the Danube river in Austria is your go-to. Even if you’re turning your nose up to the idea of bubbles, this fizz will prove you wrong and get you merry in a moment. It’s a blend of Gruner Veltliner, Austria’s star grape variety, Muller-Thurgau, from Germany originally, and Riesling. Soft, smooth and brimming with white peach, lemon, blossom and mandarin oranges. It’s easy to love and bursting with joy.
Cuddle up on the couch folks might prefer the Don Guerino ‘El Gaucho’ Tannat 2018 (£18.99, Novel Wines). This rich, young Tannat is brimming with blackberries and cherries over sweet cinnamon and vanilla spice. It will put almost all the Malbec we drink in the UK to shame. It’s warming, thanks to nine months in Frenchoak, and thoroughly enjoyable to sip in front of any Hollywood favourite.
Wine with dinner couples, you might be fretting about what you’re going to cook. Don’t panic, Good Food’s got your back. According to them, steak night is the top rated dinner date dish. Well if you’re gunning for red meat, look no further than the LA Cetto Petite Sirah 2017 (£10.99, Novel Wines); this full-bodied red wine from Baja California is deep, peppery and bursting with smoky black fruits. It’s perfect steak wine and a steal at that price.
Good Food shouts out a hazelnut and oregano pasta dish as its top veggie offering. That kind of creamy, delectable Italian grub deserves something like the Colomba Bianca Vitese Organic Zibibbo 2020 (£9.99, Novel Wines). This Sicilian white should only be lightly chilled and it’ll burst with peach, orange zest and lime. So easy to love!
If you’re a dessert lover and like to share with one spoon, you’re already having a good date night. If you want to make it extra special, pair a strawberry no-bake cheesecake covered in strawberry puree with an ice cider. Yes, cider, not wine! Ice cider is where you press gently thawing apples to extract a smooth, fruity juice with a fab balance of acidity and sweetness. Sweden’s Brannland Claim Iscider 2017 (£12.99, Novel Wines) is a tangy example full of apples, honeysuckle and kiwi.
And if you’re getting a takeaway, we all know the country’s favourite is a good Indian. There’s no reason to mess around. Whatever Indian you’re having, you probably think wine isn’t the answer. Think again. Kerry Damskey and Rajeev Samant’s Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz 2019 (£13.99, Novel Wines) is an Indian wine from grapes grown in Maharashtra, near Nashik. It’s jammy and smoky and perfect with Indian food. Packed with vanilla, blueberries, prune and cocoa, what more do you want from a Valentine’s vino?
Fancy joining Novel Wines for an upcoming event? Have a look at their latest calendar of tastings online here!