Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It may be difficult to find a table at your favorite romantic restaurant, but there are still opportunities to have a special evening at home with the one you love. The team at Val’s prides itself on pairing wines and cocktails with great food, family and loved ones. Let’s start with a few cocktails, especially ones that go with chocolate.
The first cocktail is called the Sweet Heart. It can be served either straight up (chilled) in a martini glass or on the rocks in high ball. Either way, make sure you rim the glass with a little sugar.
2 oz. Amaretto
3 oz. Vodka
6 oz. Cranberry Juice
2 oz. Heavy Cream (optional)
Add ingredients and ice to a shaker and shake. Garnish with a white chocolate heart.
The second cocktail suggestion is great for those chilly winter evenings and perfect for a post Valentine’s Day dinner. I call it a boozy hot chocolate. This is a very easy cocktail to make. You can use a standard hot coco powder. Personally I would go the extra mile and use finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate and whole milk.
2 oz. Peppermint Schnapps (Rumple Minze to give it an extra boost)
4 oz. Semi sweet chocolate (or more based on personal preference
6-8 oz. Whole milk
Bring milk to a simmer, add chocolate and stir. Pour into mug and add 2 oz. schnapps. Garnish with whip cream and chocolate flakes/sprinkles.
Two other options that go well with chocolate are Champagne and Prosecco . Val’s has a great selection of both. A few that we can recommend are Meomi, Louis Roederer Brut Premier, and Moet & Chandon Imperial. The Meomi has a fresh aroma of green apples and ambrosia. A taste of pears, citrus and honey is quite noticeable. Louis Roederer has a long tradition of producing wines with a firm structure and subtle fruit and toast flavors. You will get a full and smooth fruity taste with a hint of acidity. And one of the world’s most popular names in sparkling wine is Moet & Chandon. The Brut Imperial has a distinct bouquet of green apples and citrus with a taste of pear, peach and apple.
While Champagne is produced in France, let’s take a look at its Italian counterpart, Procecco. A few that I enjoy are the Alteneve, Lamarca and 90+ Cellars. Alteneve has a hint of white flower with peach and pear and a crisp taste of honeysuckle and white fruit. It is very balanced and smooth. Lamarca is also a delicious option that has a vibrant taste of apple, white peach and honeysuckle. And happens to be one of our best sellers. 90+ Cellars is a great everyday drinker that is well priced. There is an aroma of fresh peach with ginger and lilac. The taste finishes with crisp citrus fruit.
Wine is a great addition to a romantic Valentines eve dinner. I am a fan of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Dr. Loosen Riesling is a crisp and fruity wine from the Mosel Valley. I find this wine very refreshing. Another delicious Riesling that is new to Val’s is from our friend in Chile…Trotamundos. This has a distinct scent of cantaloupe, green apple and pineapple. The taste will come across with a hint of lime and honey.
New Zealand is home to some of the best-selling Sauvignon Blancs. Cloudy Bay is at the top of my list. This wine has a vibrant scent grapefruit, lemon zest and gooseberry intermingling with orange blossom. On the palate, you may find ripe citrus and stone fruit flavors with a succulent acidic undertone. If you prefer a domestic Sauvignon Blanc, try the Joel Gott. This has rounded herbaceous tones, with a crisp, light finish. It was a WINE SPECTATOR best buy receiving 92 points and sells for $15.99!
Cabernet Sauvignon is always a popular red wine selection. One of my favorites is Oberon from the Michael Mondavi family. This wine will not disappoint. You will find a taste of vibrant black cherry and blackberry, with a hint of coffee and dark chocolate that creates a delightful finish.
As I have mentioned previously, I am a fan of sweet white wines. Moscato d’Asti has been a popular choice for many years. Best served chiulled (50 degrees), Moscato will have a taste of tropical fruit (mango, pear, peach) with apricot with a slight sparkle. It is low alcohol at 5.5% so is easily enjoyed. Two that I recommend are the Angelini Moscato D’ Asti and 90+ cellars.
On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, we will be having a special ZOOM virtual tasting from 7 to 8pm. We will send out an email announcement and have four special wines with discount pricing available to pick up at the store. The wines are the Pasqua Prosecco Brut Rose, Pasqua Passione Sentimento Bianco (Garganega), Saracci Pinot Noir, and the Wagner Riesling Ice Wine (half bottles). Be sure to give us your email and stop by to purchase these featured wines to participate in our “Star Crossed Lovers” virtual tasting event.
Whatever your 2021 Valentine’s Day may bring, we here at Val’s hope you enjoy it with the ones you love…or have a very strong liking. Enjoy it with cocktails and wine from Val’s Putnam Liquors in Greenwich and Glenville, as well as our new location at 66 Summer Street in Stamford.
As always, drink responsibly and stay safe.
