Pink for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is usually an “out to dinner” affair, but for those who cook and stay in for the night, picking the right wines is key to a great evening. I decided to go pink in honor of the holiday and mixed it up in price, style, and flavor. These wines are a little higher priced than our typical mix, but your sweetie is worth it!

TASTINGS
This month’s selections are available at France 44 Wines & Spirits, France Ave. at W. 44th St., Mpls., 612-925-3252

J. Lasalle Brut Rose Champagne (nonvintage), Champagne, France, $48.99
A wonderful blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. This wine has a light pink color and full nose that evokes a bakery full of fresh-baked bread. A lot is going on here, with big fruit, balanced acids, and a long finish. It stands well on its own or paired with special-occasion lobster.

Chateau D’Aqueria Rose, Tavel, France, $15.99
This wine smells like intense strawberries and cherries, but tastes complex, balanced, and dry. A blend of grenache, syrah, cinsault, and clairette, it is another great match for seafood, or is great on its own.

Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2001, Napa Valley, $25.99
“Wow!” is the official wine lingo for this one. A blend of bordeaux grapes, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot, Chappellet has made this wine big, rich, and delicious. Match it with a grilled rib eye or fragrant cheeses for a special treat on the tongue.

Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui, 2003, Piedmont, Italy, $15.99 (375 ml)
A fun dessert wine (brachetto d'acqui grape) that won't break the bank. This sparkler is dessert on its own, sweet but not cloying. How can you go wrong with roses on the nose and cherries on the tongue? A perfect end to a perfect evening. Match it with your favorite chocolate and enjoy!

Bill Coy runs Vintage U, which organizes wine tastings, classes, and events for corporate groups, wine enthusiasts, and the general public. Reach him at vintageu@msn.com.