Eight wines to celebrate Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve handpicked a selection of IWSC-winning wines that are perfect to complement a romantic evening, and pair beautifully with a number of dishes.
From elegant toasting champagnes, to red wine to pair with an exquisite steak, each of the wines is guaranteed to be of the highest quality, with the majority having been awarded a Gold medal or above from our panel of expert judges. And for those wishing to splash out on something extra special, we’ve recommended the bottles worth investing in that will guarantee fantastic flavour, worth every penny.
Champagne to toast the evening
Charles Lafitte Grand Cuvée NV 
This is an opulent, yet elegant wine with clear green apple notes. Toasty and balanced, perfect to pair with salted almonds.
Where to buy: Amazon, £47.49
Or splash out on…
Lanson Noble Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 2002 
Notes of brioche, lemon and honey with flavours of grapefruit, golden apples and marzipan. A fantastic Champagne for a special occasion.
Where to buy: Vivino, £98.56
Wines to complement seafood
Greyfriars Vineyard Sparkling Rosé Reserve 2014
With notes of strawberries and ripe peaches and a dash of lemon zest, this light rosé has lively bubbles and is a perfect sparkling fit for decadent seafood.
Where to buy: Greyfriars Vineyard, £21
Or splash out on…
La Chablisienne Chablis Grand Cru Château Grenouilles 2014 
A delightfully crisp white wine with intense fruity flavours and notes of hazelnut and lemon.
Where to buy: Vivino, £44.99
The ultimate pairings for steak
Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec – Finca Ambrosia 2014 
Renowned as the best pairing for steak, this Malbec has a deep red colour and rich flavours of jasmine, blueberries and violets. There are hints of coffee, nutmeg and sweet spices, topped with a delicious balsamic note.
Where to buy: Fareham Wine Cellar, £28.50
Or splash out on…
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
This dark ruby red wine has an intense nose of black fruits. The hints of blackcurrant, cassis, spice, and tobacco are topped off with notes of vanilla oak.
Where to buy: Vivino, £49.50
Dessert wine to accompany sweet treats
Andrew Peller Signature Series Riesling Icewine 2015
This distinctive sweet Icewine has aromas of peach and lemon curd with flavours of honey, orange peel and ginger. An outstanding way to make dessert even more indulgent.
Where to buy: Hailsham Cellars, £41.50
Or splash out on…
Dark mahogany in colour with flavours of roasted cashews, dates, dried cherries and spice. This port is sweet and powerful, with crisp acidity and a creamy taste fit to impress any date.
Where to buy: Amazon, £79.95
The IWSC 2019 is now OPEN - enter now to be in with a chance to win a medal this year. For more information or expert help, email info@iwsc.net.
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