The Season of Love

Whether you love to love it or love to hate it, Valentine’s Day is here. Expectations can be ultra-high or nonexistent, and both options have equal potential for romance or heartbreak. Firm in our belief that wine makes all things rosier, we’ve put together a lineup of options to express your appreciation of the ones you love (or for a really epic solo night of pizza, ice cream, and movie binging).

For Your Palentines

Les Allies Sparkling Rosé — 750 ml or 187 ml

 We get lots of requests for small-format bottles of bubbly this time of year, and this is one of our favorites. In both full-bottle and quarter-bottle formats, this coral-pink treat is great as a brunch pour, or for adding some sparkly charm to your gift baskets. Soft and easygoing, its nose of strawberry shortcake and white flowers is perked up on the palate with zippy raspberry and a delicate wash of bubbles. Cheers all around!

For Your Sweetheart

Le Mesnil Grand Cru Brut Champagne

 Underrated and renowned at the same time, Le Mesnil is a cooperative Champagne producer, as well as a supplier of fruit to nearly all the premium Champagne houses on your radar. They select grapes from their Grand Cru vineyards specifically for Le Mesnil cuvées, even from premium sites in certain vintages — what does all that mean? You can gift your special someone premium Champagne at a very sweet price! This Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) Champagne is aged on its lees for three years, producing poised and complex notes of bright lemon and quince, toasted cashew, brioche, and chalky minerals on a luxurious, pearly bubble.

For Your Dinner for Two

Zanato Cormi Corvina/Merlot Blend

The perfect recipe for romance? A killer cut of steak, a sexy dollop of béarnaise, candlelight, and red wine. It might be corny, but tis the season! We can’t account for how you do in the kitchen, but a sultry red can boost your game considerably, even if a thing or two goes awry. Zenato Cormi, a blend of Valpolicella’s favorite Corvina and French darling Merlot, makes for that alluring mix of lush fruit and velvety texture to bring all your culinary wooing together. Sweet spice and dark, juicy plum are ample on the nose, with black cherry compote, sweet tobacco, and a hint of vanilla on the long, complex finish.

-Aimee Hutchinson | Wine Manager Top Ten Liquors