Valentine Wine Recommendations

Sparkling Wines - Go with anything; but especially diamonds and gold!!  Or, just do the sparkling wine.  Sparkling wines can be served before, during and after dinner.   Here are some popular ideas:

• L. Mawby 'Sex' - This is a delicious, pink, not quite dry sparkler. We've already laughed at all the funny things you'll say while talking about this wine - so it's your turn. And, no one can say 'you never show your feelings'.
   
• Chateau Chantal 'Celebrate' - formerly known as Carpe Diem. Turns out someone else owned the name--don't you just hate it when that happens? Same wine--slightly sweet and delicious blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
  
  
• St. Julian Sparkling Raspberry--Think about a beautiful deep pink color and great flavor.  Think about chocolate!  Think about . . . well, you know!

More wines to have with chocolate:

• Michigan Cherry Wine - Chocolate and cherries--a great combination.  Look for Good Harbor Vineyards, Leelanau Cellars, Chateau Fontaine, Chateau Grand Traverse and many others.

 Most importantly, have a safe, fun and responsible Valentines Day.

The following article came from www.wineanswers.com, and is used here with permission.

Forget the candy and the flowers! If you really want to win over your sweetheart, give your Valentine a bottle of wine. Even Cupid knows that wine is the perfect sharing beverage. According to a Valentine's Day Online Survey conducted by The Wine Market Council in which both men and women participated equally, 59% said they would be happier to receive wine from their sweetheart on Valentine's Day compared with 41% who would prefer a box of chocolates.

Red, the color of love, was also the color of choice, according to the survey. Red wine, especially Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, in that order, was a safe choice with 37% who said they preferred it. However, 32% of those surveyed preferred white wine, with Chardonnay coming out head and shoulders on top, and 31% named rosé or blush wine, namely white Zinfandel, as their favorite. The plurality or 45% of the respondents described the type of wine they prefer as "fresh and fruity." Another 28% described their wine preference as "smooth and sophisticated" compared with 20% who answered "crisp and dry." Only 7% described the wine they preferred as "big and bold."

But how to set the mood? Most of these online lovers or 31% said they would like to cozy up with their sweetheart by a warm fireplace and a bottle of wine. Another 24% would like to sip wine with their sweetie while cooking a romantic dinner for two at home. Sharing wine in a sensuous bubble bath was the third favorite place with 17%, followed closely by in a restaurant at 14%. The bedroom was low on the list with 9% and as for the remaining 5% who responded "other," we won't go there.

And what do most people think they will actually receive from their Valentine? Though 59% of those surveyed said they would prefer wine over candy for Valentine's Day, only 14% expected that their sweetheart would really come through with a bottle of wine. Almost 50% expected to receive one of the old standbys--flowers (26%) or candy (23%). Another 21% didn't even expect a token gift.

There's still time to surprise your sweetheart with a bottle of wine to share on Valentine's Day. Even if you don't know your lover's favorite wine, select one you think you will both enjoy; you really can't go wrong. Think of it as a time to share and experiment together. Otherwise consider a fresh and fruity red to share by the fireplace with a CD-carousel filled with your favorite love songs.

Here are a few more Michigan wines appropriate for Valentine's Day (and just about any day, for that matter!):

Chateau Fontaine - Cherry Wine - made from fresh tart cherries - cherry pie in a glass

Tabor Hill Winery - Red Arrow Red - Ripe fruit and a restrained use of oak produce a wine with Bordeaux-like character. Excellent color and deep complex flavors.

Chateau Grand Traverse - Ice Wine - made from grapes harvested when frozen on the vines - sweet and rich tasting

St. Julian Wine Co. - Peach Champagne - this award winning fruit flavored sparkling wine is a favorite on the brunch menu or for breakfast in bed.