New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
By its very nature, Valentine’s Day is a sexy day. It uncovers a side of us that is rarely throughout the rest of the year. Men stand a little prouder, and try to cut a more dashing figure of themselves, while women allow their sensuous side to radiate. It is the time of year that allows the romantic versions of who we are to be exposed to each other. Valentine’s Day allows the embers of passion that have smoldered for most of the year to be ignited once more.
While Valentine’s Day has long been synonymous with flowers and candy, there exists what I believe to be an even sexier gift: wine. Listed below are some wines that are sultry, sensuous, and seductive. They are good on their own, but oh-so-sinful with someone else!
Rosenblum, Castanho Vineyard, Zinfandel Port ($19.99)
This wine, from California, is a temptation best surrendered to. A very dark purple color, with alluring scents of fig and chocolate that only begin the enticement of the senses. A very rich and sultry wine with the flavors of fig, chocolate, and black currant that linger with a silk laden finish. A beautifully balanced port that does not overpower, but finesses its way throughout the experience. Tempt someone by pairing it with dark chocolate or truffles.
Barnard Griffin, Syrah Port ($16.99)
Quite possibly one of the best Ports outside of Portugal, this wine smells of rich blackberry with some soft cocoa tones. The seduction continues with flavors of dark chocolate interlaced with blackberry, with a slight touch of raspberry and nuttiness. The finish is full and soft, making it a truly decadent wine. Matches well with chocolate, especially when enjoyed with your Valentine.
Roger Goulart, Semi Seco Cava ($14.99)
This Spanish beauty is an aromatic treat. Light notes of tangerine and peach are accentuated by the exquisite bubbles of this sparkler. A wonderful and dancing mouth-feel (thanks again to the bubbles) makes this an excellent and playful choice for enticing that certain someone.
Banfi, Rosa Regale ($12.99)
Here we have a Brachetto D’Acqui from Italy. This sparkling red dessert wine could possibly be what Cupid drinks! It has an elegant garnet color that shimmers and exudes an alluring jammy nose. You’ll notice flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and a bit of sweet clementine orange. The finish is lively and sexy, just like your Valentine’s Day should be.
Royal Tokaji, Aszu 5 Puttonyus ($40.99)
This is ambrosia straight from the gods, replete with apricot, orange peel, and honey fragrances. The palate is rich with orange and notes of botrytis, which is then swept by apricot with a citrusy aftertaste. It’s decadently sticky but not overdone, thanks to the soft acidity. It is not the sweetness, but the rich aromas that add up to the extremely long finish. A great wine to start or end the night.
Neil Matias is the Store Manager and Wine Specialist at Chancellor Wine & Spirits Fall River – email him at Neil_the_wineguy@yahoo.com
