America's Top Sommeliers On Their Favorite Valentine's Day Wines Under $30
Alessandra Bulow
Diamonds, roses, lingerie, chocolates—by the time you’re done with V-Day shopping you might as well have handed over your credit card instead of your heart. Here to the rescue, three of America’s top sommeliers share their favorite Valentine’s Day wines under $30.
Venus La Universal Dido Tinto 2011, Spain ($20) ”A rich, supple and fruit forward Spanish blend of Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot made by husband and wife team Sara Pérez and René Barbier. All is well in love, wine and work.” —Alpana Singh, Proprietress, The Boarding House in Chicago
Tikal Amorio Malbec 2011, Argentina ($20) ”Love is the word when it comes to this stellar rendition of Malbec from Ernesto Catena.” —Alpana Singh, Proprietress, The Boarding House in Chicago
SEE MORE: 50 Best American Wines
Salinia Wine Company 25 Reasons, California ($25) ”A Pétillant Naturel wine (aka a naturally sparkling from its own, ambient yeast) from California. It’s a little bit funky, a lot delicious, and perfect for Valentine’s Day (or any day!).” —Joe Campanale, Beverage Director and Co-Owner, dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio, and Anfora in New York City
Torre dei Beati Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2012, Italy ($18) “Made by a husband and wife who are former sommeliers, fell in love, and moved to Italy. The label features a love poem he wrote for her during their courtship. This rose wine is organic and super tasty.” —Joe Campanale, Beverage Director and Co-Owner, dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio, and Anfora in New York City
Barbet Saint-Amour “Domaine des Billards” Beaujolais 2010, France ($18) ”I mean, the wine has a cherub on it! Maybe this is a little too obvious but this red wine is truly delicious. Good Beaujolais should be drunk at all times. I also like that its light, energetic, and low in alcohol, which means that it won’t put you to sleep after dinner.” —Joe Campanale, Beverage Director and Co-Owner, dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio, and Anfora in New York City
SEE MORE: 8 of the Best Sparkling Wines Under $25
Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga Nebbiolo Langhe 2013, Italy ($23) This wine is classic Nebbiolo, offering intense perfume rose petals, potpourri, candied strawberry, and spice. The fruit is sourced from a stunning vineyard in Barbaresco. It is light in color and delicate in nature with tannins like fine lace. —Haley Moore, Wine and Spirits Director, Stock & Bones, LLC culinary group in San Francisco
Luciano Landi Gavigliano Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Passito Les Marche 2010, Italy ($30) ”This dessert wine is not only loaded with aromas of sweet violets, but it is also the perfect accompaniment to chocolate. The varietal is Lacrima, which is often intensely perfumed with aromas of rose hips, lilac, and warm spices. It is made by drying the fruit on straw mats, which concentrates the sugars, a technique which dates back to pre-Roman times.” —Haley Moore, Wine and Spirits Director, Stock & Bones, LLC culinary group in San Francisco
Bonus: Raventos i Blanc 2011 ‘De Nit’ Reserva Rose ($20) was named a favorite wine for Valentine’s Day by two of our wine experts:
“No longer Cava, Pepe Raventos decided to drop out of the appellation. He still makes some of the Iberian peninsula’s most delicious sparkling wines. A bubbly rose is something you can drink all night—before dinner, after, and with food.” —Joe Campanale, Beverage Director and Co-Owner, dell’anima, L’Artusi, L’Apicio, and Anfora in New York City
"This rose with notes of red apples, pomegranates and strawberries is almost as dreamy as owner Pepe Raventos—almost." —Alpana Singh, Proprietress, The Boarding House in Chicago
See more from Epicurious:
Acceptable Last-Minute V-Day Gifts
The WORST Foods to Eat on Valentine’s Day
10 Awesome Mail-Order Chocolates
