Wine for Valentine’s
The history of Valentine’s Day is a bit muddled (and bloody) dating back to ancient Romans feasting (with much drunkenness) and well, getting couples together with rituals including sacrificing animals. Yikes! Two saints were also executed on February 14, both named Valentine, who were later honored by the Catholic church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. In the fifth century, Romans were still celebrating the date while the Normans were celebrating Galatins- which literally means “lover of women” both around February 14. Poets Shakespeare and Chaucer also wrote of the holiday, which featured handmade paper cards with hearts. It was finally in 1913 in America, Hallmark began mass producing and marketing what we now regard as Valentine’s. A day for love and indulgences. Valentine’s Day has become a social holiday celebrated around the world, from Argentina to Canada, Great Britain, Australia, France, Mexico and Korea. In the Philippines it is a day for mass weddings and anniversary celebrations, and the day has expanded to include all kinds of expressions of affection.
The kind of affection we love here at Ed’s is fermented grape juice! So if you’re planning to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, let’s break out the bubbles! And if sparkling wine isn’t breaking out the romance for you, we have some lovely still wines to try. Read on.
Champagne Lombardi is located in the Aube region of Champagne, France where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes flourish between the hillside vineyards and forests that dot the area. Stephane’ Lombardi released his first cuvee in 2011, the birth year of his daughter. Champagne Lombardi Axiome is made from 100% first run juice, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay aged for 24 months on the lees and then 12 more months after disgorgement. Notes of green and red apple, as well as pear and yeasty biscuit, the champagne is approachable, crisp and refreshing. Wine Spectator awarded 90 points, we give it three bones on the Brunello scale.
Champagne Palmer Brut Reserve was created by a group of seven grower families whose Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards of the Montagne express harmony and balance. Palmer and Co established in 1947 distinguishes itself through the grand terroir of Cote de Bar and the Marne Valley. These classified vineyards present a unique palate for the master Champagne blender Xavier Berdin and the work of his team of enologists. Palmer Brut Reserve is based on a selection of wines from the best vineyards in the Champagne region. The Premiers and Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims area lend their distinctive personality to these wines. The nose is clean citrus, pear and apricot, with subtle notes of hazelnut and flavors of buttery brioche. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a minimum of 4 years aging. Perfectly balanced and seductive – three bones on the Brunello scale.
If bubbles are not really your thing for Valentine’s, then how about a little fun?!
Send Nudes Rose’ could be the perfect message for your love! SLO Down wines owner Brandon Allen (who we will be cruising with this April) knows a thing or two about being fun! And he makes great wines. This 100% California Pinot Noir is like a beautiful glass of pale, pink sherbet. The nose is bursting with apricot and strawberry with just a touch of white pepper on the tongue on the finish. We give it two bones.
Born from a bootlegging operation in his garage, Brandon Allen’s wine Sexual Chocolate Red Blend is hedonism at its best. A blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Malbec, no chocolate was used to make this wine- but there are hints of cocoa in the finish. Packed with ripe, dark fruit and exotic spices, and a lingering, silky finish. We give it three bones.
We hope you get to indulge whether with friends, a special someone, or maybe that four legged friend curled up on the couch with a movie and great bottle of wine this Valentine’s. Salute’
By Carolyn R Brown