Texas Wines and Flavorful Bites for Your Love this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is upon us again and people are scrambling for just the right gift to show their love for that special someone. Chocolates, flowers, jewelry…the list goes on and on. I may not be able to help you choose the perfect gift, but I can definitely assist in helping to choose the right bottle of wine and food to share with the person you love!

Three styles of wine immediately come to mind for this romantic holiday. Dry rosé, bubbles, and Merlot. Why these wines you ask? Well, all three are very enjoyable on their own, and more importantly, they are extremely versatile with food. Who wants to just drink wine by itself for Valentine’s Day? We have to eat! After all, love is often found via the stomach, is it not?

Let’s start with dry rosé. Possibly one of the most popular styles of wine right now; it is light, refreshing, and full of life. Bracing acidity and moderate fruit notes make this wine the ultimate all rounder. Chilling it down to 45-50 degrees or so should do the trick for most, which provides the right mouthfeel without sacrificing structure and aromatics. Alone, dry rosé is the perfect companion to your romantic evening. But what about food? Dry rosé pairs with just about anything you can throw at it.

My recommendation:

Texas dry rosé paired alongside a lovely charcuterie board. Follow up with a small handful of the trademark candy hearts everyone knows so well. The selection of meats and cheeses will provide fat and salt which is just what your pink wine is begging for.

Bubbles! It was difficult not listing sparkling wine first, because like dry rosé, it too is the ultimate all rounder when it comes to wine. Sparkling wine offers all the same benefits of dry rosé structurally, with the addition of the fun-loving and oh so delectable bubbles that tickle the senses. Bubbly wines just adore savory foods as much as you adore your love, so be sure and pair your bubbles with something a little salty.

My recommendation:

There aren’t a massive amount of Texas sparklers available out there, so if you have some, drink it up! If not, a great choice, especially for the budget minded, would be a Crémant from France. They are stunning wines made in the traditional way, but not in Champagne, hence not being called Champagne. I find they are just as good, if not better, often at a lower price point as well. Try pairing your bubbles of choice with cheeseburgers and French fries. How can your special someone not fall head over heels for you after that meal?!

Finally, we have Merlot. Medium bodied, soft tannins, and juicy…this wine grape produces beautiful wines of elegance and class. Texas Merlot especially shines in the beauty category. This majestic wine offers stunning red fruit flavors, and just enough earth to please the most discerning Texas wine consumer. Save your ribeyes for Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot craves something a little bit leaner.

My recommendation:

Crack open that Texas Merlot and bring on the lean beef. Medium rare to medium Filet Mignon alongside mashed Yukon gold potatoes and bacon wrapped, grilled asparagus. This should do just the trick to win partner of the year!

Alright my friends. Retrieve your wine opener and head over to the kitchen. Time to make your other half proud with a magnificent Texas wine and food pairing for this Valentine’s Day.

Cheers!