Have you ever wondered which wines pair best with the roller coaster of romance? From first dates to final goodbyes, we’re exploring wines that match every stage of your love life.
Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com.
Welcome, Natalie.
Great to be back with you, Crystal! My motto for Valentine’s Day is candy is dandy and liquor is quicker – but wine is divine.
Let’s start with first dates. What wine would you recommend for those nerve-wracking initial encounters?
Lenz Moser Gruner Veltliner
Austria
This crisp, refreshing Gruner Veltliner from Lenz Moser of Austria is the perfect icebreaker for those butterfly moments. It dances on your tongue with green apple and white peach notes.
I’d pair this with citrus-kissed pan-seared scallops drizzled with a champagne butter sauce, garnished with fresh microgreens and edible flowers that mirror the wine’s delicate effervescence.
What if things don’t go as planned? I hear you have a few options for those ghosting scenarios.
St. Regis Alcohol-Free Pinot Noir
France
When you’ve been ghosted, swipe right on this terrific alcohol-free Pinot Noir from St. Regis, France. Pinot is known as the heartbreak grape; this this wine is heartbreakingly beautiful. It’s available from Amazon and other online retailers.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Tidal Bay
Nova Scotia
Tidal Bay from Lightfoot and Wolfville from the Annapolis Valley will also let you keep your dignity and a clear head. It’s low in alcohol at just 10%
It’s also light and breezy, like made Tidal Bay wines, reminding you there are plenty of fish in the ocean. It offers lots of pleasure without the regret – unlike that idiot who never texted back.
I’d pair these with a healing bowl of lemon-brightened quinoa topped with honey-roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pumpkin seeds – comfort food that’s still kind to your waistline.
Moving on to happier times – what should we pop open when we pop the question?
Pelee Pink Rosé
Pelee Island, Ontario
Feel free to smell or taste.
Getting engaged calls for a joyous wine and rosé-coloured glasses. How else would you get married these days given the statistics. But not so glum chum when you taste this delightful Pelee Pink Rosé from Pelee Island, Ontario.
It tastes like summer strawberries and the excitement of saying “yes!”
It’s proudly Canadian.
I’d pair it with delicate smoked salmon canapés topped with dill-infused crème fraîche and pink peppercorns, served on crisp cucumber rounds – light yet luxurious.
How about weddings – what’s your recommendation?
Cotes des Roses Rosé
Provence, France
The big day calls for this gorgeous Rosé made by Gerard Bertrand in southern France. It offers delicate notes of rose petals and light florals. In fact, the bottle looks like a bouquet with its etched glass of roses.
There’d be a bigger fight for who catches this bottled bouquet when the bride throws it over her shoulder rather than a traditional floral arrangement. In fact, she might just keep it for herself.
For anniversaries, which wine would you recommend?
Best in Show Cabernet Sauvignon
Pelee Island, Ontario
I have a spectacular Best in Show Cabernet Sauvignon from Pelee Island that has garnered 95 points from top critics. It’s like a perfect marriage – complex, well-structured, and built to last. It unfolds with layers of black cherry, dark chocolate, and cedar.
I’d pair it with herb-crusted rack of lamb, served with a mint-infused quinoa pilaf and grilled asparagus tips – elegant yet satisfying.
And if things don’t work out… what’s your recommendation?
Miraval Rosé
Provence, France
Feel free to smell or taste.
I have this gorgeous Rosé made by the famous Perrin family that also make Châteaux Beaucastel. It’s so fresh and juicy that it tastes like freedom and new beginnings. It also pairs beautifully with burning his love letters and smashing those stupid heart-shaped sugar cookies all to bits.
This is the wine that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt originally purchased; he remains the majority owner after their split. So you could say that this wine also represents the lasting positive memories we leave on each other’s hearts even when we’re no longer together.
With notes of fresh strawberries, citrus, and white flowers, it’s refreshingly crisp – like freedom! I’d pair this with a cleansing niçoise salad featuring seared ahi tuna, haricots verts, and baby potatoes dressed in light lemon vinaigrette – fresh starts never tasted so good.
Natalie, these suggestions are fantastic! Any final words of wisdom for our viewers?
Here’s my favorite toast: May your glass and your heart always be full.
Thank you, Natalie! Where can we find you and these wines online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of CTV News.
