Valentine’s beckons—so the Hired Belly has been working diligently on the Gentle Art of Seduction. Only in theory, you understand. But in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day it feels appropriate to suggest a few wines (and bites) to serve your beloved.
You might be surprised how much of a challenge narrowing such a selection can be. However, without further ado, here goes: a bevy of worthy sips to take your tryst to the next level. Oh, just one more thing, as the saying goes… your mileage may vary.
The Bubbles
Four of the saddest four words in the English language: “I don’t drink Champagne”. Hopefully that doesn’t apply to you or your ‘intended.’ After all, Champagne has to rate as one of life’s biggest little pleasures. And might even sport a smattering of aphrodisiac qualities. You want proof of that? I don’t have any. But for visual appeal no other wine comes close to a flute of bubbles begging to be savoured.
1. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
Picking just one Champagne is challenging at the best of times, so I’ll admit here to being a tad biased. Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve is on special at BCLS this month. I’ll suggest it’s one of the most consistent ‘Grande Marque’ Champagnes you can find. And it has nothing to do with our epic round the world adventure. (Well, maybe just a little.)
The house style sports those classic brioche aromas, cherry, plum, vanilla and crisp acidity. James Suckling (UK) recently awarded it his highest score for any Non Vintage Champagne, 94 pts.
Looking for something different in a Valentine’s wine? Pop by Marquis Wine Cellars (1034 Davie St., Vancouver, 604-684-0445) and talk to them about some of their growers Champagnes. There are lots to discover.
The good news, if your budget won’t stretch to Champagne there’s no shortage of other bubbles to consider.
2. Top Tier Prosecco
Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut
There’s no time like Valentine’s to consider upping your Prosecco game by opting for a DOCG Prosecco Superiore wine. Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut comes from one of the region’s oldest producers, founded in 1919. Think ‘spring in a glass,’ with lively bubbles and a persistent mousse bursting with orchard and stone fruits. BCLS $29.99 Read more about Prosecco Superiore and why all Prosecco is not the same here.
3. Sexiest Valentine’s Bottle?
Bottega Prosecco Rosé Spumante Brut
Sparkling Rosé is hard to resist at the best of times, even more so at Valentine’s. A couple of years ago the ‘regular’ Prosecco DOC Consortium changed the rules for making Rosé. Glera (the white grape used for Prosecco) is blended with between ten and 15 percent Pinot Nero for a pretty pink hue. Bottega Prosecco Rosé Spumante Brut comes in a sexy, pale pink, satiny bottle. In the glass there’s good bubbles and moderate acidity through the close. Think cold cuts and canapés like chilled shrimp, or Parmesan crisps… And read more about Bottega here.
4. The ‘Love Me Like a Rock’ Wine
Lanzarote Bermejos Malvasia Volcanica Seco 2019
Here’s a wine that comes from a place like no other. Lanzarote is the closest of the Canary Islands to the African continent, just 125 kms to the east.
Lava and fragments from a series of 18th century volcanic eruptions cover the island. All of which makes it extremely challenging to plant vines and grow grapes. Each vine is planted in its own roughly 2m. deep crater. That allows the roots to penetrate beyond the lava and ash fragments. Also, because it’s so windy, the vine is protected by a small rock wall.
Even the bottle is one of a kind, sensually tapered with a pouring spout. In the glass: up front floral, citrus and mineral aromas, with stone fruit and subtle tropical notes. Underpinned by distinct minerality with a streak of acidity and a stony close. Think lighter seafoods and, yes, more fresh oysters, please! BCLS specialty stores $35 91 pts.
5. The Hail Mary Valentine’s Asparagus wine
Kono Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020
I’m never too sure why Asparagus is always trotted out specifically for Valentine’s as we like to enjoy it year round. Maybe it has something to do with ‘spears’ or the like… Regardless, pairing wine with Asparagus can be a challenge due to its sulfur content. That can set off a reaction that makes the wine taste metallic. However, a grassy Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of acidity can offset that, especially if there’s enough lemon butter happening. ;-)
In honour of New Zealand Wine Week we’re going with widely available Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2020. Crisp and clean, lemon lime toned with zingy acidity BCLS $18.99
6. The Fondue Wine
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2019
Nothing warms up a romantic dinner than a good cheese fondue or raclette. Besides, cheese just happens to have ten times the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate. It’s all about PEA—Phenylethylamine which boosts endorphins and dopamine, so there’s that! And why wouldn’t you want to linger over a special blend of Swiss Gruyere, Emmenthal and Vacherin Friebourgeois from Les Amis du Fromage? (Scoop: LADF also rents out skookum fondue pots and raclette warmers. Though you may be out of luck for Monday…)
Wine-wise, you need something to cut through the fat and richness of the fondue, ideally with quite high acidity. Just about any crisp, dry unoaked white will do. But Riesling and Chasselas (the Swiss standby) excel in particular.
Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling is an Aussie standard bearer. It invites with up front floral, stonefruit and citrus plus hints of petroleum. There’s zesty lemon lime, mineral and schist on the palate, wrapped in bright acidity through the dry finish. BCLS $21.99. Also not to be overlooked, highly affordable Gehringer Dry Riesling Private Reserve Riesling 2020. Currently on special at BCLS $13.99.
7. The Salmon Stamina Course
Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2019
I’ve always appreciated salmon but never really thought of it as having “a rich history as a natural aphrodisiac. However, celebrated author Amy Reiley (eatsomethingsexy.com) suggests salmon is “a sexual powerhouse. An excellent source of protein – essential for stamina … loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. … Although salmon offers beneficial nutrients for both women and men, this fish is potentially one of the best foods a man can eat, as far as sex drive and fertility are concerned.” Reiley offers plenty more timely Valentine’s advice in her on-line Dictionary of Aphrodisiac Foods.
Long gone are the days of ‘white wine with fish,’ especially when the fish is more fully flavoured and fatty. A light to medium bodied red will usually fit the bill, especially when it sports a decent streak of acidity. Worth tracking down is Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2019 (White Label). Cherry and strawberry aromas with forest floor notes. Good Pinot varietal character on the medium bodied palate. Nicely balanced fruit and acidity with a pleasing savoury edge through the finish. 90 pts. $31.99 (winery).
8. The Obligatory Valentine’s Steak Wine
Road 13 Syrah 2018
Because, well, steak. Hmmm. We’re not convinced that steak is really an aphrodisiac. However, NetDoctor says ‘ “steak boosts female arousal, according to studies at the University of Texas.” This is because lean red meat boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It’s also choc-full of zinc, making it a potential aphrodisiac for men too.”’
We just tasted this wicked Road 13 Syrah, which delivers an element of complexity. It first presents in up-front, meaty gamey aromas, that can typify the variety. Then vanilla and spice notes before a plush and supple palate. Bramble, dark berry and cherry notes are supported by well-managed oak. Decent acidity and approachable tannins through a lengthy finish. Think bacon-wrapped filet mignon or barbecued rib-eye. Or, try with braised meats, and hearty stews—or just a little fireside sultry sipping. 91 pts. (HB Instagram) $35.
9. Ultimate Dessert Wine
Alvear NV Pedro Ximinez Solara 1927
One of the quickest and surely most seductive desserts you can whip up is vanilla ice cream drizzled with this most unctuous of sherries. Pedro Ximénez (‘PX’ if you’re cool) is actually a white grape. It’s sun-dried, then fortified and may be aged for several decades. Want to get fancy?Purée ahead of time some dates or figs into the (real Vanilla please) ice cream. Re-freeze until needed. You’ll be rewarded with a wonderful mingling of intense dark molasses, raisin, toffee and caramel flavours with the seductive texture of the ice cream—and who knows what else? BCLS $31.99 (375 ml.)
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