There is one simple way to get the girl this Valentine’s Day: give her mother a bottle of wine.
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. We all have mothers who at one point or another have solved any problem, dished out advice (solicited or not) on any subject, and made you feel like the best and/or worst person in the world with just one look. They love their children like no other so when it comes to their daughter’s boyfriends, beware and be scared. These moms can deem you daughter-worthy with a lightning fast assessment.
If you’re already in good graces with the mother of your Valentine hopeful that’s great…let’s keep it that way with a delicious bottle of wine. But, if you are on the periphery of the tight family group, bringing Mom some vino may be your ticket into the circle of trust.
The five wines below are some of my previously reviewed favorites. Each is under $20, a price you can afford, and which will not seem, in Mom’s eyes, that you are “trying too hard”! Hint: if you’re really smart, you’ll purchase a bottle for your Valentine, too!
Barone Fini Pinot Grigio 2013 (sample) – Most people I know enjoy a good glass of two of Pinot Grigio – just ask any self respecting book club member. From Alto Adige in Northern Italy, this delicious wine showed aromas of flowers, citrus, pear, and crisp yellow apples. Its high acidity and rich tastes of more citrus were smooth and balanced which paired ever so nicely with grilled calamari and bruschetta. Cost is $12.
Piccini Memoro Bianco NV (
sample) – Four of my favorite grapes blended into one tasty wine? Yes! The combination of 40% Viognier from Sicily, 30% Chardonnay from Trentino, 20% Vermentino from Maremma, and 10% Pecorino grapes from Marche shimmered gold in the glass. With rich, intense aromas of honey, ripe melon, peaches, and yellow flowers, I felt as if I was about to taste a delectable cross section of Italy! In fact, the compass on the label signifies the four different grapes, “each a typical expression of a distinct Italian region.” On the palate, I found more honey, beeswax, pear, and oak and the finish on this balanced white wine was long and concentrated. Mention to Mom that she may want to pair this wine with seafood, pastas with a creamy sauce, roasted vegetables, her daughter, and you. Cost is around $10.
Bolla Chianti 2012 (
sample) – Red cherries and purple flowers were fragrant in the glass and you’ll enjoy the mild tannins and food friendly acidity of this Sangiovese based Chianti from Tuscany. Creamy and balanced, flavors of black cherries, plums, and raspberries led to a deliciously lasting finish. I paired the wine with an authentic Chicken Marsala dish, but Mom may also enjoy it with rich pastas, roasted meats, and aged cheeses. Cost is $10.
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro La Planta 2013 (sample) – Consisting of 100% Tinto Fino, another name for Tempranillo, the winery is located in the heart of the Ribera del Duero. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine was aged in French and American oak for six months. A lovely cherry color in the glass, aromas of spice, blue and purple fruits, toasty oak, and butterscotch were intense. I enjoyed the flavors of more spice, oak, and fruit as well as its balanced acidity and tannins which led to a satisfying finish. Mom may want to serve the La Planta 2013 at the next family dinner (with you as a guest?). Cost is $16.
Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend 2012 (sample) – A blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, I loved this delicious wine of grapes sourced from California’s Central Coast, Lodi, Sonoma, and Napa. On the nose, black cherries, baking spices, and vanilla extract were enticing. Soft tannins and bright acidity with jammy flavors of blueberries, more black cherries, sage, rosemary and a touch of chocolate led to a smooth finish. Crafted in honor of his father, Winemaker Joseph Carr has produced a delicious wine sure to please. Cost is $15.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Good luck! ~ Cindy
