Valentine’s Day Wines of Endearment

We all know what a “term of endearment” signifies (and I’m not talking about that tear-jerker of a movie from ages ago).  Words such as cupcake, sweetie, pumpkin, lovey dovey, baby cakes, dollface, babe, and boo are used to show affection of love for someone.  You have used these words and others, I’m sure, and hopefully you have heard them in return (ahem, in the correct context of course)!  Since Valentine’s Day is upon us, I have a few “wines of endearment” (sent to me as samples) which you may want to consider.  How about requesting a sparkling Pink Panda, a crisp white Cuvee les Amours or a rich red from Hug Cellars to join you for a romantic dinner?  I also suggest a wine of endearment which may actually sing for you during that special moment…a melodic red from Bocelli (yep, that Andrea Bocelli…)

**Pink Panda – Who doesn’t love pandas?  Sparkling yet cuddly, this bubbly is made from Pinot Noir grapes from California’s Alexander Valley.  Pink in the glass (of course), the aromas and tastes were sweet…and I mean candy sweet like a raspberry or strawberry Jolly Rancher sweet (have I written the word “sweet” already?).  The guys who made this sweet thang at Naked Rebel Winery made sure that the words on the bottle were printed in a special ink so it would glow when the lights are off.  You know, so you can find the bottle to pour another glass!  Cost is $18.00.

**Hugel et Fils Pinot Blanc “Cuvee Les Amours” 2009 – Crisp and light, you may consider this wine your new lover which can be shared with your…new lover!  From one of my favorite areas, the Alsace region of France, subtle aromas of stone fruits and minerality were crisp and light.  This dry wine was tart with high acidity and showed more tastes of apricots and peaches on the palate.  This will be perfect with a light appetizer as you learn more about your own potential amour…The cost is a mere $12.00 (or less!).

**Bocelli Rosso Toscana 2011 – Are you having a romantic Italian dinner with your sweetheart?  Consisting of 100% Sangiovese grapes from Morellino, Tuscany, the aromas of this wine were bursting with strawberries, cherries, and raspberries.  I tasted more red fruits, high acidity, and a touch of smoke and pepper.  As a bonus, this delicious, succulent wine was just as balanced as the voice of Andrea Bocelli whose family has been making these delicious wines in Tuscany for four generations. Cost is around $16.00.

**Hug Cellars 2005 Bassetti Vineyard Syrah – Wrap yourself in this amazing Syrah from Hug Cellars located in California’s Paso Robles AVA. A dark purple color and aromas of earth, red fruits, peppers, and a bit of cherry were as enticing as my Valentine will be!  On the palate, there were tastes of more earth, smoke, blackberries, blueberries, and white pepper.  And yes, those tannins were sweeeet.  Wow! Cost is $45.00, but there is a little Valentine’s Day gift for you.  If you order this wine from WineFlash, the cost right now is $19.99!!  Don’t delay…!!

These wines of endearment will be perfect to share with a loved one, someone with whom you are having a burgeoning relationship, or a first date (thanks to match.com or a college roommate…).  Surprising that dollface or boo with one of these wines is sure to get everyone’s adrenaline going.  And let’s not kid ourselves…you can be perfectly satisfied as you keep these wines all to yourself while you whisper to them sweet somethings, have a little sip, and watch a Lifetime or Spike movie.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Cheers ~ Cindy