February 14th is the day to commemorate love. Whether celebrating with a significant other or modernizing the day with a Galentine’s gift exchange with friends, a little vino can add to the joyous nature of the day. If the wine lover in your life has a favorite tipple, sharing their top choice may be the best way to express your affection.
However, if recommendations are needed for something light, fresh, and fun—or for something more sophisticated and sensual—check out the following wine suggestions to make this Valentine's Day delightfully delicious. Both of this month’s top picks can be found on the island.
Valentine’s Day fortuitously falls on a Sunday this year, making a bubbly brunch the ideal way to get the festivities started. Toast your loved one with a refreshing glass of Bisol Jeio Prosecco Rose found at Spec’s for approximately $16.
Fresh, dry, elegant, and inviting, this pretty pink drink has notes of red rose, ripe strawberries, and sweet citrus with a persistent mousse and a fresh finish. Garnish the glass with a fresh strawberry and pair this sparkler with a wide variety of brunch offerings such as prosciutto with melon, pastries, egg dishes, or cold seafood cocktails.
This new style of sparkling pink from Italy has only recently arrived stateside, as Prosecco makers were finally allowed to start making this latest effervescent version of the classic Italian bubbles in May of 2020. The wine is made from Glera, the grape used to make white Prosecco, along with Pinot Noir.
These are the only legally permitted varieties. This new version of sparkling rosato has between 10-15% Pinot Noir added to achieve the color, but the red wine addition also contributes to the rosy floral nose and the red berry character.
The modern rendition combines two of the hottest trends of the past decade in wine—Prosecco and Rosé. This concept has been in the works for several years, and expectations are high that these wines will be top sellers throughout the spring and summer.
The wines will run from Extra Dry (with a touch of sweetness) to Brut (a dry style) and Brut Nature (the least sweet or driest option). In addition to brunch cuisine, the wines also make a good pairing for salty snacks while binge-watching Netflix or as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Explore the category further with wines from other producers such as La Gioiosa or Pasqua. Expect these new pink Prosecco wines to be fresh, fruity, well-balanced, and easy to drink. With only 11% alcohol by volume, the temptation to open a second bottle will be hard to resist.
Red wine lovers can have their roses and berries with a bit of chocolate when they pour a glass of the full-bodied Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. This smooth, sexy, and vibrant red can be found on the shelves at Kroger for about $40.
Loaded with juicy raspberry, strawberry, and cherry aromas and flavors along with floral hints of roses and subtle notes of gingerbread and dark chocolate, this silky red overdelivers. It is ready to serve with main courses from seared salmon to beef tenderloin, or it is delicious simply to sip on its own.
The grapes for this sumptuous drink are sourced from seven unique vineyard areas in the Russian River Valley. The wine was aged on the lees for ten months in French barrels of which 30% were new, adding to the pleasing texture.
The Russian River Valley is a premium area for high-quality Pinot Noir, and Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery has been crafting beautiful expressions of the grape along with Chardonnay since 1982. The winemaker credits the cold ocean breezes and the heavy fog for the freshness and balance.
Explore other selections from this producer by ordering the single vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines online at GaryFarrellWinery.com. Each of these wines offers a flavor snapshot of different areas of this expansive wine growing region.
This Valentine's Day, let the love and the wine flow when you treat the wine lover in your life to strawberries and roses by pouring an enticing glass of one of these highly recommended wines.