As the big day for romance approaches, there is, alas, no slowing down for busy moms with busy schedules. For most of us, our carefree, jet setting days are now behind us and although we may not have the fortune of leaving our domestic lives for a weekend of bliss with our partners, we can do our best to bring home that same feeling.
Let’s take a trip to some of the world’s most romantic destinations, which just so happen to be some of the world’s most exciting wine regions, in an effort bring back some of that bottled love into our homes on this most romantic of days.
So, tuck in the kids, pull out your corkscrews and get ready to smell the aromas of Provence, feel the sunshine of Tuscany and envision the spectacular vistas of California...
Top Picks from Tuscany
Ahh, the charm of sun-baked Tuscany with its rolling hills, olive groves, rustic but exquisite cusine and of course, its delicious wine. Reds from this region are generally based on the indigenous grape Sangiovese which is a versatile and elegant varietal that exudes the Tuscan charm that it has absorbed from the soil. Sometimes this grape is blended with more substantial French varietals such as Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. My recommendations include a sensuous and aromatic Chianti Classico from a producer situated in the heart of the region between Florence and Sienna as well as a forward, fleshy and winsome wine from the picturesque hilltop village of Montalcino.
.jpg)
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2007, Vintages 704346, $26.95
Abbadia Ardenga Rosso Di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2007, Vintages 184945, $19.95
%br%
Top Picks from California
California’s striking coastline and Mediterranean climate make both an ideal vacation destination and a noteworthy residence for some of the world’s most elite vineyards. However, warm weather and spectacular landscapes are not all that California has to offer its vineyards, those vineyards located along the coast, in particular, are shrouded in a cloud of fog for much of the morning which lifts dramatically in the early afternoon to reveal the warm sunshine. This morning cooling effect helps the grapes retain acids which give vibrancy and intrigue to otherwise sun-drenched wines. My top choices for Valentine’s day include a plush, decadent Chardonnay full of tropical fruit and exotic spice that is sure to get you in the mood as well as a California’s signature grape, Zinfandel, rich with black raspberry and cracked pepper.
Kali Hart Chardonnay, Monterey County, California, USA, Vintages 46417, $21.95
Stonehedge Diamond Ridge Reserve Zinfandel, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA, Vintages 205781, $17.95
Go to the next page for more romantic wine picks....
Top Picks from Provence
Wild herbs, lavender and hot stones are some of the enticing aromas that Provence exudes. Another sun-baked region, Provence boasts more sunshine hours than anywhere else in Western Europe. Scorching heat and drought in the summer stress the vines to the point of providing richly concentrated and dynamically complex flavours. The wines of southern France are often blended from several indigenous varietals ooze charm and aromatics. My top passionate picks include a succulent white blend from the Southern Rhone and a generous, lavish and full-bodied red from the dramatic red ochre hills of Roussillon.
.jpg)
Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorens Blanc, Cotes du Rhone, France, 2009, Vintages 73916, $13.95
Domaine Gardies Mas Las Cabes Rouge, Cotes du Rousillon, France, 2009, Vintages 194894, $15.95
Printer-friendly version