Food(s) of Love:

A Valentine Menu

Whether you and your loved one are dining out or preparing a romantic home-made meal together, Valentine’s Day is one of those dinners when you really must go all out for great foods and fantastic wines.  Here are some wine-and-food pairings that I’m sure will make the evening one to remember.  I’ll leave the particular preparation of each food item to your own imagination and creativity, or to the chef’s if you are dining out. 

Bon Appetite and Salute!

Caviar
Heidsieck & Co Monopole Red Top Champagne ($21.99)
(a lesser-known, but very tasty bubbly)

Smoked Salmon
Schleret Tokay Pinot Gris ($20.99)
(this wine’s crisp acidity contrasts with the oily smokiness of the fish)

Foie Gras
Chateau Belingard Monbazillac ($16.99)
(an “affordable” Sauternes-like wine)

Risotto with Truffles
Brovia Roero Arneis ($16.99)
(truffles from Piedmont, Italy – white wine from Piedmont)

Lobster
Jean-Marc Pillot Bourgogne Blanc ($25.99)
(rich-flavored lobster, rich-tasting wine – that’s the match)

 Filet Mignon
Justin Isosceles Meritage ($49.99)
(smooth, ripe & complex – good as a California red gets)

Chocolate
Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui ($19.99)
(oozing with red raspberry and bubbles –  great with dark chocolate)