It was five years ago this year. At the French Laundry. We’d just had the famed “Oysters with Pearls” paired with a beautiful Gruner Veltliner. And, after a short period of hyperventilaing, my girlfriend leaned across the table and kissed me. Four months later, we were married. Must have been the wine.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Wine has helped fan the flames of passion for centuries, and I see no reason to stop the trend. There is no better antidote for today’s troubled times. And when it comes to wines of passion, is there anything better than Sparkling wine?
Here are a few of my favorites. And guys, remember, even if Valentine’s Day is an over-hyped train wreck for relationships, it’s not that difficult to turn such things in your favor. Starting with:
Today’s Featured Wines
Gruet, N.V. Brut sparkling wine. $9 (half bottle) A half bottle is just the right size to begin the evening. Pop a bottle while the two of you are getting ready. Or while you’re waiting for your date before walking out the door. Helpful seduction hint – arrive a bit early, not late.
Charles de Fere, N.V. Sparkling Wine, “Tradition”, $17.50 An affordable luxury that delivers far more than its price would lead you to believe. From France, this wine is produced by a Champenoise family who left the confines of Champagne’s rigorous rules and regulations in order to produce high-quality wine for far less money. Click the link to learn more. I don’t think you’ll regret that you did. Seduction hint #2 – enjoy a great value in sparkling wine and you’ll have more for the rest of the evening.
Jacquesson, Cuvee 733 Champagne, $60 Jacquesson, one of the oldest Houses (and THE oldest independent House) in Champagne, has produced a non-vintage cuvee for over a century. Each one is numbered (this cuveé is #733), making them almost semi-vintage releases, if you will, even though the juice comes from multiple vintages. Seduction hint #3, pop the cork on this show-stopper and you may not need to plan anything else for the rest of the evening.
Cheers!
Dave the Wine Merchant
www.DaveTheWineMerchant.com
Must have been the oysters…
Wow, I can’t belive it’s almost Valentines! Thanks for the post, I enjoyed it.