Everyone knows I'm a HUGE Natalie MaClean fan, and this article didn't disappoint. If you're celebrating Valentine's Day... or the month of love... over the weekend, here are some of Natalie's suggestions to create "the mood." Cheers!
This article was originally posted at Lifestyle Simpatico CA. It is pasted here for your convenience.
TOP 5 WINES FOR SEDUCTION ON VALENTINE’S DAY
by Natalie MacLean
(Photo from Google Images)
Forget flowers and chocolate on February 14, and head straight for the liquor store. Recent studies reveal the shockingly obvious insight that after a couple of glasses of wine, members of the opposite sex appear more attractive. According to the research firm Cyberpulse, sixty percent of women wish their sweethearts would give them wine, not candy or lingerie, for Valentine’s Day.
However, a gaping hole in the research is exactly which wines to give your sweetie and which ones work best for seduction. In the interest of science, I’m still conducting my own field studies on this. Since time is of the essence, I feel obligated to share my findings with you now.
Freixenet Cava Cordon Rosado, Spain
Is there anything more romantic than pink bubbly? In fact, a study of men in France found that when they see a man sharing a bottle of bubbly with a woman, they assume it’s his wife. However, if it’s pink champagne, they assume it’s his mistress. Aromas of ripe field raspberries tickle your note. Float a raspberry on top for an extra romantic touch. Price: $12.65 Score: 87/100.
Wente Vineyards Chardonnay Morning Fog, Livermore, California
A luscious, full-bodied chardonnay with generous aromas of white peach, toasty oak and almonds. “Full-bodied” is the key descriptor here that makes this wine “work” when it comes to romance. You can almost cuddle up beside its voluptuous layers of flavour. Perfect for romantic dinners featuring chicken picatta or seafood pasta with saffron cream sauce. Price: $16.95 Score: 88/100.
Full Press Winery Chardonnay, Niagara Falls, Ontario
When you want to pull out all the stops, go with this Full Press chardonnay. It’s ideal for dates where you’ll be presenting an engagement ring and want to leave nothing to chance. The wine is generous, rich and terrific: just what you’re looking for in a potential spouse. Green apple and vanilla smoke aromas mingle enticingly on the nose. Pair with: crab cakes or fettuccini alfredo. $11.95 Score: 87/100.
Fifth Leg Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Australia
Fifth Leg ensure you’ll never be the third wheel in a relationship. A savoury, meaty, juicy red that's bursting with black plums and berries. There's a little mint on the nose which gives the wine a pleasant lift. Darkly concentrated, this is a terrific speed dating party wine. Start a party just by opening it. Pair with: lamb, roast beef. Price: $15.95 Score: 88/100.
La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
When you want the best, go for La Crema of the croppa. This gorgeous, seductive red offers bright, ripe aromas of cherries and some baking spices. Silky smooth texture. They call pinot noir the “heartbreak grape” because it’s difficult and expensive to grow the grapes for this wine (not because of its relationships). I have loved this wine for a long time and whenever I see it on a restaurant list, I order it. Absolutely divine. Pair with: smoked salmon and a successful date. Price: $29.95 Score: 92/100.
Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks and pairings at http://www.nataliemaclean.com/.
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