No other place in the world evokes an image of romance more than France.
The beauty of French cities like Paris creates a perfect romantic backdrop.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to infuse a little romance into your life.
Why not a little French joie de vivre by bringing a bottle of French wine home?
Is there a better way to say Happy Valentine's to that special person in your life?
Planning for romance can be stressful. To help reduce the pressure, I have a few recommendations including some French selections that should enhance any Valentine's Day.
PAUL ZINCK
CREMANT BRUT
FRANCE (421388)
$23.99
This sparkling Cremant d'Alsace is from the Alsace wine region in Eastern France. In my last article I featured a
Pinot Blanc from the same winery Zinck.
The Alsace region lies at the junction of France and Germany blending both cultures. The villages of Alsace are very quaint and look almost movie set like, they are so perfect.
As with most wine regions in France the laws are very strict and will be enforced.
For the Alsace region primarily white varietals are grown and the Chardonnay is allowed in Cremant D'Alsace although it is not permitted in any AOC Alsace wines.
The Alsatian Cremants and Grand Crus make up only 10 to 20 per cent of the vineyards. This Zinck Cremant is made using the mthode
champenoise or traditional method.
Zinck Cremant is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay making this the perfect addition to any
seafood dish or cheeses.
The citrus fruits followed by apricots and pears burst out of your glass with bubbly delight. Start off your night with this bubbly and take it from there.
$23.99
CHATEAU PARTARRIEU
FRANCE (448944)
$23.95
When you think of Bordeaux wines white often doesn't come to mind. Most people tend to think red, but that's where I come in. The white wines of Bordeaux are sadly forgotten about.
Only about two per cent of white wines are produced in Graves, the only sub-region which also produces reds, dry white and sweet wines. If you haven't experienced a Sauterne, then wait no longer, it's all about the experience.
The production of Sauternes is very labour intensive and all the grapes are handpicked one grape at a time, at just the right time once the Botrytis has set in. That makes the grapes take on raisin like qualities.
The same row may be passed by 10 to 15 times before all the grapes are harvested and ready for the magic to begin.
In 2007, the red Bordeaux wines didn't get rave reviews but for the whites it was totally opposite they definitely
flourished.
The aging potential for a Sauterne unlike other whites is five to 10 years for some, longer for others. For this particular one enjoy it now and enjoy what it has to offer.
Chateau Partarrieu is a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc making this the perfect pairing for crme brle or almond pound cake.
If you're having Chinese takeout for that special Valentine's night, I couldn't think of a better match than this French sweet white.
The sheer enjoyment you will get while tasting all the rich flavours is hard to describe.
$21.95
ARBOLEDA
CARMENRE
CHILE (43398)
$19.99
As with many wineries Arboleda is practicing sustainable practices to ensure preservation of the environment around them.
To ensure this, the vineyards are fertilized using compost matter, committed to reforestation of Chilean trees, and the use of natural irrigation to name a few.
Arboleda is comprised of two different vineyards Chilhue and Las Vertientes. The grapes for this Carmenre were from Las Vertientes which gets its name from the natural springs flowing
beneath the roots.
The soils being rich for producing Cabernet, Carmenre and Merlot; unlike Chilhue which is much closer to the Pacific Ocean and ideal soils for the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Wine Enthusiast rated this Carmenre at 90 points. Dark fruit aromas lead to stronger spicy notes with a hint of
chocolate.
A perfect pairing with grilled beef tenderloin, grilled veggies or portobello mushrooms. Hurry. This Carmenre is available in limited quantities.
$19.99
