Perfect Valentine Ideas & Wine

Valentine’s is drawing near and I am sure most of you are familiar with the history of St. Valentine’s Day. So this year I thought we would talk about some delights, such as caviar, its history, and how it can add to a romantic Valentine’s celebration. Caviar is sturgeon eggs that have been salted and allowed to mature. It appears in writings as early as 1432, in which it is described to be a hors d’oeuvre of choice. The highest quality caviar comes from the Caspian Sea. Most people are familiar with three types of caviar. Beluga, which is the largest and the rarest of the three types, is light pearl to steel gray in colour and has a flavor of mild hazelnuts. Osetra is a medium size sturgeon fish that ranges in colour from dark brown to golden yellow, and it also has a unique nutty flavor. Sevruga is the smallest and the most abundant of the three sturgeons, and the eggs are small and gray in colour and its flavor is mildly fruity.

Contrary to what most people think, good caviar never tastes salty. It has a consistency of butter and melts in your mouth. Fine caviar is rated according to the size and color of its roe and its method of processing. Most caviar is sold in 1-ounce jars and will last about a week in your refrigerator. Expensive caviars are not priced by taste but by rarity. The best tasting caviar, like wine, is up to you. There are some tasty and less expensive caviar types available in today’s market, such as farmed caviar, American, Paddlefish, Salmon, Trout and Lump Fish. These range from $13.00 to 17.00/50 gr. As a serving suggestion, start your Valentine’s meal with a dollop of caviar on the end of some Belgian endive. Vary it by adding a little sour cream first.

The classic pairing for caviar is of course Champagne. May I suggest Cattier 1999 Vintage Brut . You may recall we have written about this house before, most

notably for its quality & price vs. the big name brands. The nose is a creamy brioche with a hint of citrus which is the same on the palate; it has a delicate mousse with small, long lasting bubbles. If you have tried this Champagne before and like it, may I suggest the “Red Kiss” Rose gift bottle perfect for Valentine’s. A less expensive version of champagne is the Willowglen brut for $9.99, or may I suggest a 2005 Rose from Colli de Catone , fresh cut strawberries on the nose and a creamy strawberry mousse on the palate. It has surprisingly good weight and is crisp on the finish.

A Valentine’s Basket is another idea for the day of love. We are featuring Roses, Wine & Chocolates for $49.99. Please check it out on our web site, Laboutique.ca

Next Week: “The Perfect Valentine Meal” , featuring Angus Beef Tenderloins in a port wine sauce, Chocolate covered Strawberries and of course, the perfect wine to go with it. If you want to plan ahead, this article will be available on the web site Monday Feb.12.