Valentine's Day Menu

Hey everybody, Happy Valentine's Days.  On a day where we are supposed to express our love for those close to us I encourage all to use this day as the beginning of a new life.  No longer should we take for granted those in our lives and should use everyday to show those that we care about that we do care about them.  What a better way to start than with a great meal with some great wines. 

To begin we have to talk sparkling wine.  Whether you are going out or staying in, the celebration cannot truly begin until the 'pop' sound of the cork being removed.  Whether you decide to go traditional brut or a rose' style, its the perfect beginning.  Not to mention sparkling wines are very versatile with food.

Next we get intot the main part of the meal, the comfortable middle.  I am a big fan of trying new wines and experimenting, but here may not be the best time to do so.  Go with a sure thing, a wine you know your partner will love.  Maybe take the opportunity to pull that older vintage you have been holding onto, or rely on the restaurant's Sommelier to find something special for you.  Remember to enjoy the company and the experience, and not to fuss over these little things along the way.

For dessert most people naturally go to chocolate on Valentine's Day.  Well if this is the case for you, take the opportunity to experiment with dessert wines.  Port wines are amazing on their own from producer's like Dow's and Taylor Fladgate to new name a few, and with chocolate the flavors soar together.  Most familiar to people is the Tawny Port, but maybe take the chance on a good vintage Port if available.  You will be pleasantly rewarded with a treasure trove of flavors on your palate.  If you are going in another direction than chocolate, well then a Sauternes will play well more often than not.  By this point in the meal your focus should be elsewhere anyway.

So there is the simple and easy recipe for success on Valentine's Day.  Don't forget the flowers and to be on your best manners and Valentine's Day should go off without a hitch.  And when it does, you know who to thank!  Happy Day to All!