Who knows what would happen if, instead of arrows, Cupid had seductive bottles of wine in his quiver instead? Surely nothing wrong, if it is true what Ovid says, that "Wine prepares hearts and makes them more ready for passion".
So, on the most romantic day of the year, a bottle of wine cannot be missing to share with the one you love: we suggest ten - from heady bubbles to full-bodied, sensual reds - with which to celebrate love.
Champagne Virginie T. Brut Grand Cuvée V2 6 Ans
A true excellence of the Maison Virginie T., it is the result of a careful selection of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes from 15 distinct crus, including 11 Grand and Premier Cru. This Champagne comes from the exceptional 2008 vintage, with the addition of 15% reserve wines from 2007. After a long cellar ageing period of 6 years, the wine reaches the maturity necessary to fully express its complex aromatic potential.
The nose opens with fresh aromas of red fruit, floral nuances and a light note of bread crust. In the mouth, creaminess, savouriness and harmony blend elegantly, while the persistent, refined effervescence underlines the finesse of the glass. It goes beautifully with fish dishes and cheeses, as well as with oriental delicacies.
Cossignani L.E. Tempo Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs
An organic Metodo Classico sparkling wine, produced from indigenous Pecorino grapes, a vine that has been present in the Piceno area since 1500: the Cossignani L.E. Tempo winery, led by siblings Letizia and Edoardo, is betting on the Marche region's vocation for bubbles. The archaic character of Pecorino finds in the Val Menocchia area the ideal conditions to best express its lashing acidity and sapidity. Brilliant straw yellow in colour, the Blanc de Blancs caresses the palate with a soft froth and a delicate but persistent perlage. An important aromatic citrus freshness prevails on the nose, punctuated by delicate woody notes of melted butter. In the mouth it is lively, fresh, dry and savoury: to be enjoyed with fish starters and white meats.
Conti Thun Micaela Valtenèsi Rosé
Micaela Valtènesi Rosè by Conti Thun is the Brescian winery's first interpretation of the typical wine from the western shore of Lake Garda. A rosé made from a blend of indigenous grapes - Groppello, Barbera, Sangiovese and Marzemino - processed using the soft-pressing technique, which involves just a few hours of contact between the must and the skins. The subsequent racking gives this rosé the freshness, temperament and unique colour that forge its character. Delicate and romantic cherry pink hues are accompanied by floral notes of peach, strawberries and blueberries that are also found on the palate, enriched by hints of ripe melon and an almondy finish. With its fresh, harmonious and intense flavour, Micaela is a perfect match for cured meats, white meat starters and lake fish, as well as simple, fresh fish starters and pizza.
Le Vigne di San Pietro Ho scritto t'Amo sulla sabbia
A small island among the morainic hills of Lake Garda of around 10 hectares, founded in 1980 at the behest of Sergio and Franca Nerozzi and now run by their son Carlo. 100% Corvina on the nose is reminiscent of peach enlivened by touches of fresh mint, while on the palate it conquers with its great savouriness and a decidedly balsamic finish, punctuated by notes of liquorice. A taut wine that calls to the drinker, very easy to drink but anything but simple, with a fine perlage and a beautiful antique pink colour. To be enjoyed as an aperitif or with delicate dishes such as raw fish or a light orange salad.
Les Vignerons de Buzet Rozet BIO
A lively and elegant rosé made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes grown on the alluvial terraces of the Garonne. Its pale pink hues with brilliant reflections, which catch the eye at first glance, are accompanied by pleasant floral aromas with metallic hints. In the mouth, the citrus notes provide freshness from the attack, as well as a nice length that makes the sip pleasant and seductive. To be uncorked with seafood, fish starters and white meat dishes.
Hibiscus Grotta dell'Oro
Ustica's only winery, led by Margherita Longo, produces wines of great character that well express the volcanic nature of the soils, the proximity to the sea and the biodiversity of the landscape. Among the indigenous grape varieties, Zibibibbo stands out, vinified by Hibiscus in a dry version that enhances its aromatic characteristics: Grotta dell'Oro encapsulates the fragrances of Sicily, with its notes of citrus, lavender, orange blossom and rose, combined with hints of herbs such as sage and rosemary. On the palate, it is full, fresh, consistent and savoury. The perfect match for a dinner of sushi, vegetable and fish couscous, fried foods and shellfish.
De Vigili Terolego Rotaliano Tonalite
Born in the heart of the Piana Rotaliana is De Vigili's Teroldego Tonalite, an elegant red wine with a distinct identity. Obtained from grapes mainly sourced from the Vigneto Pasquari, a cru located at the foot of the Dolomites, Tonalite is a fragrant and varietal wine that is striking for its tannic softness and enveloping freshness. Decisive and exciting, it intoxicates the nose with its floral aromas of violets and notes of marasca cherry and red fruit: a wine of great character to accompany first courses such as tagliatelle with mushrooms or meat sauce, risotto with sausage, roast meat, red meat and game, and cheeses.
Poderi Collal Langhe Bricco del Drago
A blend of complexity, structure, finesse and elegance: this is the hallmark of Poderi Colla's Bricco del Drago, 85% Dolcetto and 15% Nebbiolo, whose first production dates back to the 1969 vintage. The first ‘Super Vino da Tavola’ in Piedmont and recognised as a quality table wine since the 1980s by decree of the President of the Republic, Bricco del Drago is an iconic red, combining the generosity of Dolcetto with the class of Nebbiolo. The result is a wine with a deep, intense ruby colour with violet hues, an elegant bouquet of spicy and vinous notes typical of the two grapes blended in maturity. In the mouth, concentration and length enable it to age surprisingly well. The ideal accompaniment for savoury dishes such as gnocchi with tomato sauce, grilled meats and civet preparations.
Cave Mont Blanc De Morgez Chaudelune
An ice wine that comes from the night-time harvesting of Priè Blanc de Morgex grapes, picked during the winter months after the first frost, while pressing takes place at first light. After 12 months of ageing, the result is a sweet white wine with a golden colour, an intense and complex aromatic bouquet with spicy traits and hints of dehydrated fruit, figs and honey. The sip is persistent, with good freshness and a creamy finish amid notes of honey and candied fruit. To be enjoyed with Bleu d'Aoste, blue cheeses, dry pastries and nougat.
Vinedos Verticales Noctiluca Dulce
It was born in Moclinejo, a small village in Axarquía (Malaga), amidst centuries-old vineyards that grow up to 1000 m above sea level on vertiginous slopes. An extreme and timeless place, where viticulture is strongly anchored in primordial traditions, with mules working in harmony with the winegrowers. In this setting of rare beauty, Muscat of Alexandria grapes from the Viña de Reyes (which is more than 130 years old and was one of the first to be replanted after phylloxera) vinified in purity give life to Noctiluca Dulce, a sweet wine with golden hues that initially releases aromas of white flowers and stone fruit on the nose, before giving way to citrus and mineral notes. Intense on the palate, it perfectly balances acidity and sweetness and is therefore perfect not only as a dessert wine but also as an accompaniment to cheese and foie gras.
