Column: Valentine’s Romantic Options

By Jeb Fiorita and Peter Olson

February brings the hope of an early Spring and one of the happiest of holidays…Valentine’s Day! When we think of this holiday it typically includes a well-thought-out card that includes all the things we want to say but can’t seem to find the words, a fresh bouquet of flowers, box of chocolates (or assorted fruits if we are keeping to our New Year’s resolution) and a dinner out. We admit that COVID has changed quite a few things. Some restaurants have closed, others offer limited seating due to staffing and others have fewer items on their menus. And this year, the big day comes on a Monday. So that is not an excuse to stay in or have a “case of the Monday’s. We suggest you “pre-game” for the evening at home. And what better way to start such a festive evening then a nice glass of Rose’, Champagne or a Tequila cocktail. That’s right…time to put the kids to bed, open a bottle and call the sitter. It’s Valentine’s Day 2022!

To start the evening, the staff at Val’s (with locations in Greenwich, Glenville, and Stamford) suggest a fine glass of Rose, Champagne or a cocktail of your choosing. And if you have been to any of our three locations, you will find a great selection of anything you may need. We all have our favorites.

When it comes to Rose’ we have several favorites, all in price ranges from $13 to $30. Bleu de Mer ($15.99) from the Pays d’ Oc region Is a Languedoc-Roussilion Rose’, consisting of a fresh fruit forward taste and aroma of strawberry, citrus, and pear. Another great option is Puro Pet Nat Rose ($24.99). The vineyard has its roots in Malbec, the south-west region of France. You will notice a slight effervescence with a strawberry sweetness and bright acidity. Hailing from the Provence region, Clement Vignot’s Coteaux Varois en Provence ($28.99) is at the top of my list. You will notice a light taste of small red fruits including currants & strawberries. Hahn ($14.99) is a Pinot Noir Rose’ from California. The aroma of fresh strawberry and watermelon added with a crisp finish is a great selection. Rose is just not for Summer…it is to be enjoyed all year long.

Champagne has always been used for celebrations…and what better to celebrate than love? Within the Champagne family, there are several phenomenal options. Emile Leclere Brut Reserve ($44.99) is one of our favorites. Hailing from the Champagne region of France, this sparkling wine offers a fresh crisp taste with aromas of fresh ripe fruits. La Cle de la Femme from Magic Door ($39.99) is another option from the Champagne region of France. When tasting, you will find this has subtle notes of apple and white pear with spices. California also has its share of wonderful sparkling wines. One that comes to mind is the J Vineyards Cuvee ($23.99) from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Hints of crisp green apple, pear, lime, and lemon will come through with every lift of the glass to the lips and nose. Now the final selection may come as a bit of a surprise. Let’s head south to New Mexico. Wait. What? New Mexico? Yes. There you will find The Gruet family winery. High elevation, sandy soils, sweeping winds and temperature swings from hot to cold make this a perfect climate for their flagship American Sparkling Wine ($17.99). Any of these would be a great start to your special evening.

So, what if you are looking to kick off the evening with something that packs a little more punch but with some style. We are going to go with a gin drink and a tequila drink. Each will set the tone in its own way.

Here we go…

The Love Potion
3 oz. Hendricks Gin
1 oz. Lime Juice (fresh squeezed)
1 oz. St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
6 oz. Rose’ Champagne
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain over ice in a highball glass.

What festive atmosphere does not have Tequila? This is a surefire way to kick off the evening. And there are so many great tequilas to choose from.

Blood Orange Margarita
3 oz. Blanco Tequila (Espolon, Zarpado, Don Julio, Aldez)
1 oz. Cointreau
2 oz. Blood Orange Juice (fresh squeezed)
1 oz. Agave Syrup
.50 oz. Lime Juice (fresh squeezed)
Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and sugar on the rim if desired.

We hope these selections/suggestions will enhance your Valentine’s Day festivities. Whether spending the evening with your spouse, significant other or friends, please do so responsibly. And when needing a place to shop for these great products, please keep Val’s Putnam Liquors, Val’s Glenville or Val’s Wines, Spirits & Crafts in Stamford in mind.

Please join Clement and the team at Val’s Stamford this Friday, February 11th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm for a tasting of his wonderful Rose as well as other selections from Clement Vignon. We are located at 66 Summer Street, Stamford, CT.

By Jeb Fiorita and Peter Olson. Jeb is the owner of Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors. Peter is the General Manager of Val’s Wines, Spirits & Crafts in Stamford.

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