Classic Valentine's Day meals with their perfect pairings
The 'V' in V-Day stands for Vino right?
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion celebrated on February 14th each year, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in a romantic evening filled with delicious food and exquisite wines. It is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection to romantic partners, friends, and family members, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of wine in hand? So let’s dig into some Valentine’s Day wine pairings!
People exchange gifts, such as chocolates, flowers, and cards, to show their appreciation and affection on this day. But why stop there? Let’s take your Valentine’s Day celebration to the next level by exploring the world of wine and discovering the perfect pairings for your special meal. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of wine pairing and present you with a collection of tantalising meal suggestions and their ideal wine companions. Get ready to elevate your Valentine’s Day experience and create a truly memorable and romantic evening filled with exquisite flavours and enchanting aromas.
Grilled Steak with Red Wine Sauce
This juicy grilled steak is perfectly complemented by a rich and savoury red wine sauce. The bold flavours of the steak are enhanced by the robust and earthy notes of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its full-bodied nature and prominent flavours of black fruits, such as black cherry and blackberry. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the richness of the meat, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying pairing. Whether you prefer a medium-rare or well-done steak, the Cabernet Sauvignon will elevate the flavours and make it a memorable dish for your Valentine’s Day dinner. This is the most classic Valentine’s Day wine pairing!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Pair with Chardonnay
Indulge in a creamy garlic shrimp pasta that is both luxurious and comforting. The buttery flavours of the dish are beautifully balanced by a crisp and refreshing Chardonnay – another stand out Valentine’s Day wine pairing. Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that often exhibits flavours of ripe apple, citrus, and a hint of vanilla. The creamy texture of the pasta is complemented by the smooth and velvety mouthfeel of the Chardonnay, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. The bright acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the dish, making it a perfect pairing for a romantic evening.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Serve up a flavourful lemon herb roasted chicken that is both juicy and aromatic. The zesty flavours of the chicken are beautifully complemented by a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and citrusy undertones, such as lemon, grapefruit, and lime. The bright and crisp characteristics of the wine help to enhance the herbal notes of the roasted chicken, creating a well-balanced and delightful pairing. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or hosting a small gathering, this combination is sure to impress.
Caprese Salad
Pair with Pinot Grigio
Enjoy a light and refreshing Caprese salad filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. The simplicity of the dish is beautifully complemented by a crisp and aromatic Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio is known for its light-bodied nature and flavours of citrus fruits, pear, and green apple. The clean and crisp characteristics of the wine help to enhance the flavours of the salad, creating a harmonious and satisfying pairing. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a side dish, this combination is perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.
Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce
Pair with Pinot Noir
I know, red wine and fish… however, it’s a myth that red wine should never be paired with fish. Instead opt for lighter styles that are lightly chilled and not heavy on the tannins. In this case, Pinot Noire would make a perfect pairing. Pinot Noir is known for its light-bodied nature and flavours of red berries, cherries, and a hint of earthiness. The silky texture and subtle tannins in the wine enhance the richness of the salmon, creating a harmonious and delightful pairing. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for a lighter option, this combination is sure to impress.
Mushroom Risotto
Pair with Merlot
Indulge in a creamy and flavourful mushroom risotto that is both comforting and satisfying. The earthy flavours of the risotto are beautifully complemented by a smooth and velvety Merlot as a Valentine’s Day wine pairing. Merlot is known for its medium to full-bodied nature and flavours of black cherry, plum, and a touch of chocolate. The soft tannins in the wine help to enhance the savoury notes of the risotto, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable pairing. Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian or simply craving a hearty dish, this combination is perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Pair with a sweet wine (like Sauternes)
A basic tip for pairing food and wine; if you’re having a dessert, always ensure the wine you’re drinking is sweeter than the dessert itself. Otherwise you have the potential to make the wine taste astringent and bitter if they don’t quite match. Sauternes’ rich flavours of dried apricot, orange marmalade and straw complement the fruity raspberries perfectly. The acidity of the wine will also balance well with the rich chocolate and clear the pallatte with every bite. Enjoy!