Wine Picks

Shari’s Picks® for February!

Best Couple Ever? Food and Wine!

While grey, cold January may have felt like a long month of reflection and resolutions, February is the month of love. And what better way to celebrate than with a glass of wine? 

Are you planning a romantic Valentine’s Dinner for two, a cozy night in with a bottle of something delicious, deciding what to share with your friends for Galentine’s, enjoying some self-indulgence, or savouring a sweet ending? I have five suggestions for your wine glass.    

Romantic Dinner for Two

For a romantic dinner for two, consider the undeniably elegant Pinot Noir. This versatile choice doesn’t demand attention, much like the perfect date: charming and thoughtful but not overwhelming. With its soft texture and fruity flavour, it pairs well with everything from duck to chocolate, grilled salmon to a tasty risotto, giving you the confidence that your choice will be a hit. New in VINTAGES, the delicious Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Pinot Noir 2021 has perfumed aromas of cherries, plumy flavours and a lingering slightly woody finish. Serve slightly chilled.

Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Pinot Noir 2021 | VQA Niagara Peninsula | Pinot Noir | 750 mL | 13.5 alc % | sugar 3 g/L |
screw cap | VINTAGES +33894$29.95*

Valentine’s Day at Home

For those spending Valentine’s Day at home or solo, treat yourself to a glass of rosé. Who says pretty, pink rosé wine is only for warmer months? Its fresh fruit and floral aromas add a touch of lightness to the winter gloom. Dry rosés pair well with everything from seafood and salads to cheese and grilled meats, making it a versatile choice for your celebration. Beautifully packaged, Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2023 has soft floral aromas, peach flavours and a crisp finish. Serve chilled.

Lafage Miraflors Rosé 2023 | Roussillon, France | Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris, Grenache | 750 mL | 12.5 alc % | sugar 3 g/L | glass stopper | VINTAGES +367375 | $19.95*

Galentine’s Get Together

What better way to celebrate your special friends than with bubbles? Champagne or sparkling wine like Prosecco is a timeless choice to share with your friends. Pairing beautifully with foods ranging from simple appetizers, sushi, macaroni and cheese to chocolate or strawberries, bubbles add a celebratory touch to your gathering. From the land of Romeo and Juliette and in a stunning blue bottle, Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco has citrus aromas, green apple flavours and a smooth finish.

Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco | Veneto, Italy | Glera | 750 mL | 11 alc % | sugar 13 g/L | cork finish | LCBO 792392 $17.70*

Wine and Self-Indulgence

If you’re taking time for yourself this month, consider including a glass of wine in your ritual. A light, crisp white wine like a Rueda from northwestern Spain can enhance relaxation and elevate your evening routine. It’s a perfect match for a bubble bath or while reading your favourite book. At a sharp price and an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, Rueda Verdejo 2023 has forward spicy aromas, apple flavours and a zesty finish.

Rueda Verdejo 2023 | Rueda, Spain | Verdejo | 750 mL | 13 alc % | sugar 2 g/L | screw cap | VINTAGES +461327$15.70*

The Sweetest Ending

For those who want to end their meal on a sweet note, why not choose Ontario’s famous dessert wine? This luscious wine is made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, resulting in rich, sweet, concentrated, honey-like flavours. It is perfect on its own as a treat in a small wine glass. The best are made from Riesling, like Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2019. Savour its tropical, citrus fruit flavours and honey-like finish. Serve this nectar chilled.

Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2019 | VQA Niagara Peninsula | Riesling | 375 mL | 9 alc % | sugar 216 g/L | cork finish | VINTAGES +430561 | $49.95*

Wine and Gifting

Are you unsure what to give the special wine lover in your life? Consider the gift of an experience with a wine tasting at a local vineyard. It’s a thoughtful and personal present that’s a great way to spend quality time together while discovering new wines. Our local wine regions are bursting with picturesque vineyards and tasting rooms.

Celebrate love your way, whether you prefer bubbles, reds, whites, rosés, or sweeties!

Cheers,

Shari🥂

Not from Ontario? Try WineSearcher.

*All prices include HST

Comments are closed.