Valentine’s Day Wines

As Valentine’s Day approaches imminently, there is no doubting the connection between wine, love, and celebratory times. WB Yeats in his whimsical poem “Drinking” says, “Wine comes in at the mouth, and love comes in at the eye; That’s all we shall know for truth, before we grow old and die”. A further rhyming couplet, which I have omitted, slightly dampens the somewhat romantic sentiments of the previous lines (you can look it up for yourself) as it is love season after all. Be it bubbles or a succulent red, I have picked 3 wines from Whelehans Wines that give a whole lot of bang for their buck this season of romance.

Remember that there is no caveat with these wines and as good as they are for Valentine’s, they do not expire on February 14th. These are three excellent wines to enjoy any day of the year.

Bouvet-Ladubay Excellence Crémant De Loire Rosé NV ABV 12.5% €27

Bubbles are a must on Valentine’s Day and this pink blush Crémantisinvitingly aromatic with fresh red apples and peaches on the nose perched alongside a scintilla of soft summer raspberries. The mousse is creamy yet vibrantly fresh, soft and well-rounded with a clear line of acidity. This is ultimately a fun wine yet underpinned by a supreme elegance, delivering a lot for its price tag. Delicious.

Buy it here

Domaine Derey Frères Bourgogne Côte d’Or Rouge, 2023 ABV 13% €29

From grapes in Couchey and Marsannay, the aromas present beautiful vibrant crunchy red fruits and black cherries where fresh strawberries and redcurrants sing a fresh and bright tune in lively chorus. There is a delightful youthful energy to this wine with a finely balanced fleshy structure with zippy acidity. Great value for a fresh Burgundy pinot.

Buy it here

Black Mont Rubi Garnacha Negra 2022 ABV 13.5% €20

The typical streamlined fruit qualities of Garnacha abound on the nose here in a wine that, by its bouquet, is giving both ripe fruits and freshness. This is delightfully sensual and silky with acres of plush blackberry fruit, giving a lengthy finish in a wine that is packing a lot into the bottle, especially for the price. An ideal accompaniment with lamb and other grilled red meats.

Buy it here