Valentine’s Day is around the corner – a joyful reason to celebrate in the midst of a pandemic winter! But why is this day special? Was there really a St. Valentine? Why do we observe Valentine’s Day at all?
Saint Valentine was a Catholic priest in 3rd Century Rome. He conducted secret marriage ceremonies for Roman soldiers who were denied the legal right to marry. Because of this, his name became synonymous with love. Valentine was eventually jailed and sentenced to death for his actions. While in prison, the good-hearted saint allegedly fell in love with his jailor’s blind daughter and cured her blindness. Just before Valentine was executed on February 14, in the year 270, it is said that he wrote the girl a love note signed, “from your Valentine”.
Pope Gelasius named the 14th of February “St. Valentine’s Day” and ever since, Valentine’s Day has been a day to celebrate romantic love. The practice of sending love notes or “Valentines” on Valentine’s Day became a worldwide tradition. How better to revel in the loving spirit of this holiday than with a glass of bubbly? Fortunately, there’s no end to the different types of sparkling wine to enjoy.
The ever-popular champagne is a sparkling wine produced in France’s famous Champagne region. By law, a bottle may be labeled “champagne” only if it was crafted within the borders of Champagne itself. There is incredible prestige to champagne. Kings and queens, politicians, and celebrities have all feted special occasions with flutes of champagne. Unique and delectable, nothing makes more of a statement. Sniff the fine toasty aromas and savor the rich flavors. You might find yourself exclaiming as Dom Perignon did so long ago, “I am tasting the stars!”
Franciacorta is Italy’s beautifully crafted version of champagne. The Italians use the same grapes and methods of production as they do in Champagne. As not a lot of Franciacorta is seen here in the USA, it’s easy to forget how good it is. Like champagne, Franciacorta is a gorgeous lemony color with tiny, persistent bubbles. Toasty flavors of brioche and roasted nuts envelope the palate and are rounded off by a touch of baked apple, creamy butterscotch, and perhaps a hint of minerality at the finish. Franciacorta is impressive indeed and well worth seeking out. Ask for it by name and be prepared to be delighted!
For an offering that is lighter and significantly less pricy, try an Italian Prosecco! Prosecco is always festive with bright aromas of pears, golden apples, and acacia blossoms. This simple wine has taken the world by storm and is a favorite at every gathering. An easy choice, prosecco is perfect for a special romantic Valentine’s Day tete-a-tete.
Looking for something off the beaten track? Head Down Under to pick up a bottle or two of Australia’s famous sparkling shiraz! Red sparklers are great fun and positively delicious. Sparkling shiraz offers intense flavors of blackberries, ripe cherries, bittersweet chocolate, and hints of oak all swept into a sudsy quaff! These dry, powerful wines can pack a punch of tannins and are marvelous with roasted meats. Served slightly chilled, this brash red bubbly will be remembered long after your evening draws to a close.
For another splash of color, try an Italian Lambrusco. Lambrusco is an Italian original – fruity on the nose with aromas of red fruit, rose petals, and green geranium. This sparkling red wine is dry on the palate with an engagingly soft, bubbly mousse. Lambrusco is a terrific “food wine” to accompany charcuterie, cheeses, and your favorite Italian dishes. Enjoy an authentic Italian wine experience!
Another unusual sparkler not to be missed is Moscato D’Asti. This lovely wine is delicate and youthful with aromas of sage leaves and rosewater. The palate is gentle, with lightly sweet flavors of white peaches and a hint of mandarin. Moscato D’Asti pairs effortlessly with fruit-based desserts like apple pie or a fruit tart, and is guaranteed to bring a smile to the lips of your beloved.
Make Valentine’s Day special this year! Delight your loved one with something sparkling. All of these wines can easily be found at your favorite wine shoppe. Let the romance flow!
Happy Valentine’s Day. Cheers!
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