Valentine’s Day is a great day for decadence, and Spec’s has everything you need to make the day memorable for your special someone. Here are Spec’s expert suggestions for Champagnes, wines, and pairings that’ll please every palate!
For a real heartthrob of a Champagne, try Egly Ouriet Brut Tradition Grand Cru ($86). This is serious Champagne – only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards. White flowers in the nose, red and black fruits, and hints of ginger spice and creamy froth make this Champagne truly amazing. Although this wine will work very well with salty snacks, rich cheese and simple pasta dishes, have at least one glass by itself on a fresh palate before tempting yourself with food.
For true Champagne on a budget, the Pannier Brut Tradition ($28) is absolutely delightful. Light, dry, with citrus fruits and lovely yeastiness, it is a true bargain.
Sometimes, though, you may prefer something with a bit more fruitiness and less sweetness: Prosecco fills the bill perfectly. Borgoluce DOCG ($25) is a stunning example of what the Italians are doing with bubbly. Fresh green and red apple fruits are balanced by a creamy mousse and hint of lemon verbena. This is top-of-the-line Prosecco that can make you forget Champagne, especially if you don’t want a wine quite as dry and acidic. Drink this with salads, antipasto, and spicy shrimp dishes.
When the meal is planned and you want a decadent dessert, there are a few ways to go with wine. With a fruit tart or dark chocolate torte, Moscato d’Asti is a perfect companion. It is low in alcohol and completely gulpable. Try Marco Negri Moscato D’Asti ($18), which is fairly sweet and lightly bubbly. It’s creamy and fresh, with flavors of stone fruit and balanced acidity that keep it from ending in cloying sweetness.
For dark chocolate desserts, Port is a perfect companion. Messias LBV 2007 ($15) is rich and full, with flavors of brandied cherries and a hint of nuttiness. At 20% alcohol, a little goes a long way!
Some people like dry red wine with chocolate, so Spec’s suggests that the higher the cocoa content, the lower the wine should be in tannin. A good choice in this category is a domestic Syrah like Twisted Sister ($19), which really highlights Paso Robles’ ability to put out complex, well-fruited and balanced wines at reasonable prices.
With milk chocolate desserts, domestic Pinot Noir always works wonders. Brutocao Pinot Noir ($21) has the classic red cherry fruit and the hint of French oak you expect from California. The creaminess of the milk chocolate balances out well with the lower acid profile of the Brutocao.
Whatever your Valentine’s plan, Spec’s has a terrific toast to warm your heart!
Submitted by: Jim Cubberly in Austin
