February 14th is a day to celebrate love in all its forms. In addition to love for loved ones, it is also an opportunity to celebrate a passion for an excellent wine, for a territory, or for the environment in a broader sense. Here are the tastiest choices (along with the sustainable ones) for a Valentine’s toast .
J. Hofstätter, Messages in a Bottle
On Valentine’s Day 2023, the ideal gift for wine lovers is the message in a bottle by J. Hofstätter . On the occasion of February 14, the Alto Adige winery offers a label customization service for its products (such as the Cru Vigna S. Urbano Pinot Nero), in 0.75, 1.5 and 3 liter formats. For those who want to try an expression of heroic high mountain viticulture, there is also the Michei di Michei Muller Thurgau , which is born in the Valle dei Ronchi, in the province of Trento. Deeply aromatic, it has hints of green apple and bitter orange, perfect for accompanying salads and delicate first courses.
Franco Ziliani 2008, Franciacorta Reserve
Valentine’s Day is also a time to celebrate love for a lively and elegant material like Franciacorta. So toasting with Franco Ziliani 2008 , a reserve dedicated to the father of Lombardy’s bubbles, becomes a must on February 14. Enclosed in a celebratory bottle bearing the number 90, with its 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Arzelle vineyard, it has a very fine perlage and a scent of yellow fruits and candied oranges. The sip is clean, structured and savory, ideal for pairing with fish and white meats.
Moët & Chandon “Specially Yours”
From a message in a bottle to a love phrase on the personalized packaging of your champagne: for Valentine’s Day, Moët & Chandon launches the limited edition “ Specially Yours ” with which to dedicate a phrase to lovers. For Moët Impérial and Rosé Impérial, you can choose from the already printed dedications or have a customized phrase printed on the packaging (in metal or cardboard) from 6 to 16 February on Tannico .
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “La Corte”, Querceto Castle
The love for Sangiovese has driven the work of the François family on the Castello di Querceto estate in Greve in Chianti for 125 years . February 14th is the time to toast this important anniversary with La Corte , an elegant cru with a ruby red color, notes of red fruits and balsamic, and a long finish, perfect for pairing with red meats and the classic Florentine steak.
Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve
Rosé Réserve is one of the most significant references of the Maison Champagne Charles Heidsieck . Ideal to taste on Valentine’s Day, it lights up the table with its nuances of English rose and cherry-colored reflections. The nose is rich, with aromas of wild strawberries and cedar. The fine and lively perlage leaves room for incursions of delicate spices and a sweet finish of vanilla and jam.
Brunello di Montalcino, Podere Casisano, Tommasi
Complex and representative of the terroir surrounding the Casisano estate, this 2017 Brunello di Montalcino expresses all the power of Sangiovese Grosso. In the glass it is intense ruby, on the nose it smells of red fruits and surprises with spicy incursions. The drink is tannic and mineral, persistent and elegant. To be paired with game, aged cheeses and grilled red meats.
Sirmian Nals Margreid
It recently celebrated its first 50 years. The pure Pinot Bianco dell’Alto Adige Sirmian by Nals Margreid is born on the slopes of Nalles, between 500 and 700 meters above sea level, from hand-picked and briefly macerated grapes. With a bright straw yellow color, it is clean on the nose, with aromas of pink grapefruit and kiwi, while on the palate it is deep and savory, with a nice persistence. At the table it goes well with fish broths and seafood first courses.
Damarino, White Sicilia Doc, Donnafugata
Love for the environment and its protection is a theme to celebrate on Valentine’s Day by bringing Damarino to the table , a Donnafugata wine chosen for the global launch of Normacorc Ocean , a cork made by Vinventions with plastic collected from coastal areas and recycled. Thanks to the project, the Sicilian winery has contributed to the recycling of 1.15 tons of synthetic polymer waste. Those who choose the delicate citrus and floral notes of this wine will contribute with a small gesture to the protection of the planet.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2014
A special Valentine’s toast with Perrier-Jouët silkscreened glasses awaits lovers who want to celebrate with the Belle Epoque 2014 champagne gift box . Inside, the cuvée produced only in the best years, preserves hints of white and exotic fruits, while on the palate it is fresh, mineral and silky. Perfect to pair with fish and vegetable dishes.