Valentine’s Day is around the corner and the hunt for the perfect meal is on for loved-up couples across the country.
Oysters will be shucked, asparagus and chillis tossed and heart-shaped chocolates dispensed liberally, but what to drink?
Wine can be the difference between a good meal and a great meal on Valentine’s Day, and picking the right bottle can really show you care.
So forget Echo Falls, cast aside Blossom Hill and indulge in something a little more thoughtful.
Here’s our top five picks:
Prosecco: Canevel Vigneto del Faè, Spumante Dosaggio Zero
Kick the night off with bubbles with this classy bottle of Prosecco Superiore from Valdobbiadene, Italy. With aromas of apple blossom and almonds on the nose, this sparkling wine starts with a fresh and pleasing acidity on the palate and offers a long-lasting dry finish. Excellent as an aperitif, it also goes really well with flavoursome fish dishes such as cod or sardines in sour sauces.
Buy from: Oakham Wines, £21.49
Tesco Finest Saint Mont 2016, France
This bottle looks the part without breaking the bank. Made with a blend of four local grapes it is zingy and fruit driven, with plenty of grapefruit, sun ripened apricots, peach juice and quince. It’s great as an aperitif and goes well with starters, Comté or Pyrenean cheeses and fish and seafood dishes.
Buy from: Tesco, £6.00
The Ned Pinot Grigio 2018, New Zealand
At 14 per cent ABV, this is a punchy wine that will certainly kick-start the evening. The signature salmon pink colour of the wine is made from the extended contact of the pink-skinned grapes. This new vintage has nose of pear drop, white blossom and nectarine leading to a rich and soft palate, slightly tropical, with a smooth finish. This will taste great alongside fresh salads and creamy pastas.
Buy from: Majestic, £10.99 (£7.99 mix six)
La Boheme Act 4 Syrah Gamay 2017, Australia
Named after a Puccini opera, this accessible red is a perfect accompaniment to any Valentine’s Day meal. It offers lots of juicy cherries, a little raspberry and a decent helping of spice. Wonderful with a rack of pork, roasted with rosemary or a slowly cooked chicken or turkey dish.
Buy from: Oxford Wine, £14.99
Proudly Vegan Merlot
After the success of Veganury you might want to consider incorporating this ethical vino into your Valentines celebrations. An elegant, rich, fruity wine shows intense cherry and plum flavours which are perfectly matched with a variety of vegan dishes such as butternut squash or mushrooms braised with ginger and coriander.
Buy from: Ocado, £6.99