"With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good idea to start thinking about which wine you plan on serving for this romantic evening..." Not to worry, Yonatan Sternberg guides you through imbibing this Valentine's Day.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good idea to start thinking about which wine you plan on serving for this romantic evening. When I first decided to write a piece about Valentine day wine suggestions, I wasn't really sure where to start. Should I simply write about pink-rose Champagne? Which, in my opinion, is the quintessential, both romantic and celebratory wine. Should I write about pairing wine and chocolate? Dessert wines, fruit wines, rich creamy liquors and sparkling wines also came to mind. As you can see there are quite a few alcoholic beverage options to make this romantic holiday a very special night.
If you really feel like going all out; pick up a bottle of Rose Champagne. Lanson, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicqout, Ayala and Pommery are some of the more popular labels available in Israel. Imported by leading importers The Scottish Company and Hakarem, these bottles may set you back a few shekels but, then again, there is nothing like drinking real Champagne.
If you aren’t big wine drinkers and don't think you’ll get through an entire bottle of wine or if you just feel like serving several different wines over the course of the evening, visit your local wine store and ask what they have available in half bottles (375 Ml.).
The Scottish Company is also offering small bottles of Pommery Champagne (200 Ml.), simply labeled POP, an ideal and (relatively) affordable way to enjoy real Champagne on Valentine's Day.
This year the Golan Heights produced small bottles (375 Ml.) of the winery's sparkling Gamla Brut, providing a patriotic and accessible alternative. This very dry and refreshing sparkling wine is produced from 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay grapes and according to the winery should go well with light fish dishes and sushi.
Last I checked, several wines from the Golan Height's Gamla and Dalton's Estate/'D' series are also available in this format. In honor of the upcoming holiday, the Binyamina Winery will be offering wines which are part of their Yogev and Reserve series in small bottles as well. And if you’re in luck you will be able to come across 1 of 1900 half-bottles produced of Chateau Golan's Syrah 2007.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, pick up a bottle desert wine; just remember that in order to fully enjoy the wine make sure that the wine is at least as sweet and preferably even sweeter than the dessert you plan on serving.
Enjoy!
