Valentine’s Dinner & Wine

The perfect Valentine’s evening can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. The most important thing is to share it with someone you love.

Last week we talked about Caviar & Champagne, Belgian Chocolates and a lovely Chocolate, Sparkling Wine & Roses basket. This week a few more ideas for that perfect Valentine’s dinner. First, some fresh Malpec Oysters . Serve simply with a wedge of fresh lemon or for a twist add a drop of hot sauce. Wine suggestions would be Champagne or Italian Prosecco by Carpene Malvolti . If you don’t want the bubbles, we are featuring a 2005 Donnafugata ‘Anthilia’ IGT. Widely held as Sicily’s highest-quality grape varieties, Ansonia and Catarratto make up this lush, refreshing Mediterranean wine. Delicate herbs and a clean citrus finish accentuate ripe melon and peach fruit. ‘Sun and Sea’ in a glass.

Angus Beef Tenderloins are always a favourite and just the right portion size. To make this recipe really special try panfrying the tenderloins to your desired doneness. The trick here is to start with a hot pan with olive oil. Sear all around then reduce heat. When the tenderloins are cooked to perfection de-glaze the pan and make a port wine reduction. Pour over the now rested tenderloins and serve. Remember, in order to bring out the full flavours of this perfectly aged Angus tenderloin, protein needs salt. Don’t be afraid to add some. Wine suggestions I have are two. Firstly from Teusner Wines, an Aussie 2004 ‘Avatar’ Barossa Valley, 60% Old Vine Grenache 30% Mataro (Mourvedre) 10% Shiraz. Aged 16 months in neutral barrels,

this medium-bodied Rhone blend displays ripe, round berry fruit with hints of spicy garrigue. Balanced and forward, this well-made effort holds both alcohol and jamminess in check, a natural complement to a port wine sauce. The next wine is a new arrival that I found at The Fancy Food Show in New York. A Spanish 2002 Grupo Ylero ‘Bracamonte’ Tempranillo Crianza from the famous region of Ribera del Duero . Think Rioja with a kick! The Douro River of Port renown first runs through Spain’s high central interior; the climate is extremely hot and dry but the high elevation provides excellent growing conditions. The wine is aged 12 months in French and American oak and another 12 months in bottle. Spices and warm red fruits dominate this dark, rich wine. This wine is the baby to its big brother and arguably Spain’s most famous wine Vega Sicilia, “Unico” . If you really feel in the mood try a bottle at $608.00.

Chocolate dipped strawberries and/or some Belgian Chocolates by Daniel will make a perfect ending. Remember when choosing dessert wine it should be as sweet as the dessert itself. Chocolate dipped strawberries would go nicely with an Italian sparkling Muscat like Fillipetti. Citrus and apple on the nose and palate. For bitter chocolate, maybe an Aussie Cab. or Shiraz. With milk or white chocolate how about a Port or Italian Passito.

The above recipes are available in the store for you. Please ask our wine sommeliers, who would be happy to assist you with all your wine pairing needs. For last week’s valentine article and other ideas visit our web site at www.laboutique.ca.