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Romeo's charmers for a seductive interlude
By Aubrey Buckingham |
February 8, 2009, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
DO not go unarmed into that good Valentine's Day dinner without knowing what wines will make it a memorable occasion. Wine writer Aubrey Buckingham consulted the city's suppliers on what's available to compile his recommended eight options.
With all the cheesiness associated with Valentine's Day, it's no wonder cynics (not to mention the single and the lonely) are quick to dismiss the event as just another construct of modern capitalism.
Still, the modern Romeo is not one to waste a golden opportunity for seduction, and picking the right wine to lubricate the process is paramount to give off that aura of suaveness and sophistication.
Ideally, you really should know which drop to pick already. If she likes soft burgundies, there's no point trying to charm her with a big blockbuster californian red; if Aussie Rieslings are her bag, over-oaked chardonnays will probably get you no-where.
Still, if you want to make an impression and pull out something rather romantic, then you could do worse than pick one of the following wines to give both of you that loving feeling.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008
To many, this wine is pure aromatic poetry in a glass. One whiff of the sublime elixir is an explosion of tropical fruit - pineapple, passion fruit, lychee - while the succulent, fruity palate delivers crisp, citrus acidity. As far as New Zealand sauvignon blanc goes, this ranks up there with the very best, although the style may not always be universally accepted. If in doubt, check out your date's accessories - if she's toting a designer handbag with matching shoes, then just tell her this is the LV wine (the winery is owned by luxury goods giant Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey); it's a lot cheaper than a monogrammed purse, but it's every bit as luxurious.
Sutter Home White Zinfandel
While some may turn their noses at blush wines like these, remember that much of the evening relies on symbolic gestures anyway. Besides, there's a time and place to enjoy any wine, and a fresh, crisp white zin packed with strawberries and watermelon on the nose. This Californian product saw no time in oak for a clean finish, and really, the color is everything on this occasion. Toast to the lovely color on her cheeks.
Distributed by Mercuris Fine Wines
Zonin Primo Amore Sangiovese Merlot 2006
Speaking of roses, along comes this Zonin offering from Italy with love. The name of the wine means "first love" while the label comes adorned with the immortal Shakespearean line from Romeo & Juliet - "a rose by any other name..." The label is certainly romantic enough, while this Sicilian blend is dry on the palate with a sultry, balanced weight. The vino also looks lovely in the glass, which is bound to win you points when dining by candlelight.
Distributed by Torres China
Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The very name itself implies a powerful passion, full of Latino bravado. This Chilean winery was named after the owner's wife, and its extensive advertising campaigns have prominently featured ladies in red. Not a bad drop at all - rich and complex, with wild black cherries and black currents interwoven with mint, cedar and other spices. Something suggests this is a wine to get both of you in the mood for dancing as soon as the main course is done.
Distributed by ASC Fine Wines
Caro 2005
Valentine's Day is all about unions of sorts and this wine is the perfect example of a match made in heaven. The world-renowned Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite paired up with Argentina's Catena family to form a joint venture called Caro, which means "dear" in Italian. Combining French elegance with Latino flair, this cabernet sauvignon and malbec blend is a lovechild bearing all the hallmarks of its parents - a rich wine with ripe, juicy tannins.
Distributed by Summergate.
Hugel & Fils Gerwurtztraminer AOC 2006
The versatility of Alsace is often overlooked - the wines from this French region bordering Germany are ideal for most Asian cuisines. Expressive, fragrant with floral and fruity aromas, the wine is all at once refreshing and deceptively easy to enjoy. The soft gentle finish of this underrated grape will have you reaching for more and more sips.
Distributed by Summergate Fine Wine & Spirits.
Banfi Rosa Regale DOCG 2003
Now this alluring product is one of the wine world's best kept secrets. Sure, some like to end their evenings with a sticky or fortified wine, but if it's Valentine's you're talking about, then it's chocolates you need and this is just the right match for the devilish little treats. This semi-sweet sparkling wine is just the ticket to keep the attracting phemerones bubbling under the skin when tucking into pudding, whether it be sinfully sweet or just a big bowl of strawberries. It's got all the elements of romance on the nose as well, with hints of rose petals and raspberries combining for an alluring mix that could just convince her to get further acquainted with the rampaging scent of you...
Distributed by ASC.
Veuve Clicquot Non-Vintage Rose
At long last, this sexy sparkling wine is available on these shores. Bubbly is always a no-brainer, and just in time for Valentine's, "Sex and the City's" Carrie Fisher's favorite Champagne house is bringing its first non-vintage rose to the local market. This delightfully luscious, fruit-based pink wine has charmed the world with its blend of nearly 40 percent reserve wines and 12 percent still red wine to give that smooth, sexy color and balance. Warning: the bubbles really do go straight to the head (just don't tell her).
Distributed by Moet Hennessey Diageo.
With all the cheesiness associated with Valentine's Day, it's no wonder cynics (not to mention the single and the lonely) are quick to dismiss the event as just another construct of modern capitalism.
Still, the modern Romeo is not one to waste a golden opportunity for seduction, and picking the right wine to lubricate the process is paramount to give off that aura of suaveness and sophistication.
Ideally, you really should know which drop to pick already. If she likes soft burgundies, there's no point trying to charm her with a big blockbuster californian red; if Aussie Rieslings are her bag, over-oaked chardonnays will probably get you no-where.
Still, if you want to make an impression and pull out something rather romantic, then you could do worse than pick one of the following wines to give both of you that loving feeling.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008
To many, this wine is pure aromatic poetry in a glass. One whiff of the sublime elixir is an explosion of tropical fruit - pineapple, passion fruit, lychee - while the succulent, fruity palate delivers crisp, citrus acidity. As far as New Zealand sauvignon blanc goes, this ranks up there with the very best, although the style may not always be universally accepted. If in doubt, check out your date's accessories - if she's toting a designer handbag with matching shoes, then just tell her this is the LV wine (the winery is owned by luxury goods giant Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey); it's a lot cheaper than a monogrammed purse, but it's every bit as luxurious.
Sutter Home White Zinfandel
While some may turn their noses at blush wines like these, remember that much of the evening relies on symbolic gestures anyway. Besides, there's a time and place to enjoy any wine, and a fresh, crisp white zin packed with strawberries and watermelon on the nose. This Californian product saw no time in oak for a clean finish, and really, the color is everything on this occasion. Toast to the lovely color on her cheeks.
Distributed by Mercuris Fine Wines
Zonin Primo Amore Sangiovese Merlot 2006
Speaking of roses, along comes this Zonin offering from Italy with love. The name of the wine means "first love" while the label comes adorned with the immortal Shakespearean line from Romeo & Juliet - "a rose by any other name..." The label is certainly romantic enough, while this Sicilian blend is dry on the palate with a sultry, balanced weight. The vino also looks lovely in the glass, which is bound to win you points when dining by candlelight.
Distributed by Torres China
Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The very name itself implies a powerful passion, full of Latino bravado. This Chilean winery was named after the owner's wife, and its extensive advertising campaigns have prominently featured ladies in red. Not a bad drop at all - rich and complex, with wild black cherries and black currents interwoven with mint, cedar and other spices. Something suggests this is a wine to get both of you in the mood for dancing as soon as the main course is done.
Distributed by ASC Fine Wines
Caro 2005
Valentine's Day is all about unions of sorts and this wine is the perfect example of a match made in heaven. The world-renowned Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite paired up with Argentina's Catena family to form a joint venture called Caro, which means "dear" in Italian. Combining French elegance with Latino flair, this cabernet sauvignon and malbec blend is a lovechild bearing all the hallmarks of its parents - a rich wine with ripe, juicy tannins.
Distributed by Summergate.
Hugel & Fils Gerwurtztraminer AOC 2006
The versatility of Alsace is often overlooked - the wines from this French region bordering Germany are ideal for most Asian cuisines. Expressive, fragrant with floral and fruity aromas, the wine is all at once refreshing and deceptively easy to enjoy. The soft gentle finish of this underrated grape will have you reaching for more and more sips.
Distributed by Summergate Fine Wine & Spirits.
Banfi Rosa Regale DOCG 2003
Now this alluring product is one of the wine world's best kept secrets. Sure, some like to end their evenings with a sticky or fortified wine, but if it's Valentine's you're talking about, then it's chocolates you need and this is just the right match for the devilish little treats. This semi-sweet sparkling wine is just the ticket to keep the attracting phemerones bubbling under the skin when tucking into pudding, whether it be sinfully sweet or just a big bowl of strawberries. It's got all the elements of romance on the nose as well, with hints of rose petals and raspberries combining for an alluring mix that could just convince her to get further acquainted with the rampaging scent of you...
Distributed by ASC.
Veuve Clicquot Non-Vintage Rose
At long last, this sexy sparkling wine is available on these shores. Bubbly is always a no-brainer, and just in time for Valentine's, "Sex and the City's" Carrie Fisher's favorite Champagne house is bringing its first non-vintage rose to the local market. This delightfully luscious, fruit-based pink wine has charmed the world with its blend of nearly 40 percent reserve wines and 12 percent still red wine to give that smooth, sexy color and balance. Warning: the bubbles really do go straight to the head (just don't tell her).
Distributed by Moet Hennessey Diageo.
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