No matter your opinion of Valentine’s Day – crass commercialism or a lovely excuse for a little romance, it is the perfect time to mix it up a little. No, not that. Wine.
Here is a selection of imported wines – some French, some Italian and something Spanish that will add a touch of romance on February 14. You can say it with flowers or you can say it with fine wine. How will you say ‘I love you’? French, Italian or Spanish?
je t’aime
Champagne Duperrey Vintage Brut 2011
Because of its widespread availability, quality and value, Champagne Duperrey is one of the fastest growing champagne brands in Australia.
Champagne Duperrey is named for Louis Isidore Duperrey, a French marine hydrologist who accompanied de Freycinet on the ship ‘L’Uranie’ around the world to investigate meteorology and terrestrial magnetism. He went on to captain ‘La Coquille’ on an expedition that collected countless animal and plant specimens and charted much of the southern coast of Australia in 1824.
Little wonder then that Champagne Duperrey was developed for the Aussie market with an eye to freshness and richness in the villages near Reims – sourced from 100% Premier Cru vineyards. This delicious, pale gold bubbler is 37% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir & 31% Pinot Meunier, sourced from 100% Premier Cru vineyards. What better way to celebrate amour than with something French?
Champagne Charles Orban Blanc de Blancs
The Orban family have been growing grapes since 1770 in Troissy. Under new ownership since the early 2000’s, the estate grows mostly Pinot Meunier with smaller plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
This award-winning 100% Chardonnay is pale yellow, lively on the palate with subtle hints of brioche. Ideal as an aperitif anytime or throughout a special Valentine’s dinner.
ti amo
Borgo San Leo Prosecco and Borgo San Leo Pinot Grigio
Prosecco is the informal name for the grape variety Giera. Since 2009, the name ‘Prosecco’ has been regulated and protected under D.O.C law like Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamico di Modena and Prosciutto di San Daniele. This green-skinned variety has been grown for hundreds of years in the Friuli and Veneto regions.
Brought to you by the same people who make the world’s biggest selling Prosecco – Zonin, the Borgo San Leo Prosecco starts with a touch of sweetness and finishes nicely crisp.
From the home of Pinot Grigio in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, the Borgo San Leo is best when paired with the foods of summer – salads and cold seafood or delicate appetisers. That makes it perfect for our hot and humid summer.
Ciao Bella Sangiovese 2014
“Hello Beautiful to you too”. Grown in the far north of Italy, the grapes reflect the terroir with earthy and spicy aromas of cherry and violets.
Sangiovese is perhaps the most food friendly of grapes with the acidity a perfect match for the richness of Italian food. This vibrant, ruby-red Sangiovese is a perfect match for Veal Saltimbocca. But it also is ideal for a more relaxed Valentine’s dinner of pizza or pasta.
te amo
Marqués De Riscal 1860 Tempranillo
Tempranillo traditionally hails from the Iberian Peninsula on the south-western coast of Spain and takes its name from the Spanish word temprana, meaning early – as it ripens earlier than most other Spanish red grapes. Founded in 1858, Marqués De Riscal is one of the oldest Rioja wineries and export to 110 countries around the globe.
Marqués de Riscal were pioneers in making wines of excellent quality in Rioja and Rueda, these Tinta de Toro, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were grown in Duero. This dark, cherry and licorice nuanced wine is to savoured slowly over a long, romantic dinner
All of these wines are available at Dan Murphy’s: https://www.danmurphys.com.au
