Wines for Valentines

The meeting of sweethearts on Valentine's Day, not only calls for flowers and Valentine's cards, but for food and wine that fit and enhance the occasion.

To stimulate conversation, nothing really beats a glass or two of wine. Researchers at Glasgow University have discovered that by consuming two glasses of wine, members of the opposite sex appear more attractive by some 25%!

Champagne and sparkling wines are perfect to set the right sort of tone. Rosé has instant appeal too, along with sweet and fortified wines, that have the ability to match chocolate. Try an Orange Muscat - see below, or Tawny Port, with chocolate and nuts, or chocolate covered Brazil nuts - a stunning combination.

Here are my top tips for the romantics amongst you.

San Leo - Nerello Mascalese, Prosecco - Rosato - Brut NV- Italy - Waitrose £7.99
Scents of red fruits and candy, it's youthful, fruity & fresh on the palate, with a soft, gentle mousse. Good value.

Lanson - Rosé Brut - Champagne NV - Morrisons
(Reduced from £32.99 to £16.49, 12th - 14th February, Maximum 3 bottles per customer)
A pretty salmon pink colour, with aromas of strawberry. Just off-dry, the bubbles are invigorating and nicely integrated.

Cuveé Fleur - Rosé 2009 Vin de Pays de l'Hérault - France - Waitrose £3.89
This rosé's really well put together. A deep and vibrant colour, with bags of fruity appeal. Straight forward, no-nonsense, with some structure and a dry finish. Drink on its own, or with seafood.

Château Guiot Rosé 2008 Costières de Nimes - France - Majestic Wine - £6.99, or buy 2 bottles & save £3.00 - (£5.49)
Full-bodied (for a rosé), seriously dry, with a generous amount of red and dark fruit characteristics. There's some grip here that makes it a candidate to match food with some punchy flavours. Very good indeed!

Mont Tauch - Tradition - Muscat de Rivesaltes - France - Morrisons - £6.46 37.5cl
Grapey, sweet toned, with a note of spicy warmth on the finish. Drink with rich starters and of course fruit based puddings.

Andrew Quady - Essensia - Orange Muscat - California - Thos Peatling - Bury St Edmunds - £10.69 37.5cl
A bit of a cult wine now, an enchanting, orange scented, sweet wine, with a tangy twist at the end. Beautifully packaged and a perfect partner for milk chocolate and nuts.

Image of Friday Night by jenny downing (r&r) courtesy of Creative Commons