Wine is synonymous with romance, but it’s also an aphrodisiac—the mere smell can arouse us. Mark Antony imbibed on his first night of courtship with Cleopatra. Jewish philosopher and scientist Maimonides encouraged men to drink red wine to improve their virility. Whether this is a placebo effect from the relaxed atmosphere a glass of wine produces is up for debate, but there’s no doubt that a well-curated bottle of wine is one of the most romantic additions to a Valentine’s Day soirée.
Just as there are many different kinds of people, there are many different kinds of wine. Picking the most romantic bottle doesn’t necessarily mean picking the most expensive one, but rather finding what best suits your beloved’s unique palate. We turned to experts for the most romantic wines to celebrate the decadent sensuality of this ancient pleasure that implores us to slow down and enjoy each other. If you like, you can pair these with our Aphrodisiac Board for Two.
11 Romantic Wines for a Sensual, Decadent Valentine’s Day
Phillippe Gamet Heurte Loup
“I believe that champagnes made with red grapes such as Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir are so much more decadent and sensual to the senses than a white-grape based champagne,” sommelier Alexander Riola told TABLE. He pointed towards Philippe Gamet Heurte Loup, made entirely of Pinot Meunier, as having aromas that “start to stir something inside of you that’s nearly primal in feeling.” There are notes of cinnamon, ginger, dried pears, and white cherry that balance the umami-like quality the Meunier showcases here.
Contrada S ‘Sciara Nuova’ Etna Rosso
Riola proclaimed Etna Rosso “the sexiest wine.” I’m inclined to agree that there’s just something about that Sicilian volcanic soil. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to step foot in Sicily, you’ll acknowledge that it’s a hot-blooded place. This Etna Rosso’s grapes are planted on soil enriched by recent lava flows from Mt. Etna, giving it a minerality that amplifies its bright fruit qualities. Riola noted that the aroma is part of what gives it its romance. Notes of dusty hay mingle with sandalwood to create a deeply sensual feeling.
Domaine Faury Saint-Joseph
Northern Rhône is Syrah’s “proper home,” and the terroir allows its famous dark fruit flavors come out fully. “There’s a certain meatiness in this wine, like a prosciutto fattiness, that comes out from the palate, leaving it silky and wanting more. Purple florals like violets encourage the black olive subtleties to present themselves in a fun yet mysterious way. It makes you go ‘mmmm’ in a tone you mostly use for your partner,” Riola said.
Francois Villard Viognier
For those who love perfume-y wines, this Viogner is a perfect one. Riola said that it “stood out in white wines in the sexy date night range.” It has bright honeysuckle and peach on the palate that lead the way into rose aromatics. Pair with a bouquet of roses, and you’ve got a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift.
Semillón Isidore Vineyard
At a tasting I attended, winemaker Derek Mossman said that one of the reasons he loves wine is that “People need more romance in their lives.” This Chilean-grown Semillón is refined and smooth, with tasting notes of lemon juice, candied lemon peel, and a touch of bee pollen mixed with white flowers. It’s an elegant amber in color due to the skin-contact process used in its making. In this bottle, Semillón, usually a blending grape, gets to shine on its own. Perhaps this is a good gift for a partner whose individuality you want to celebrate.
Extradimensional Wine Co Yeah! Mystery Train
Conversely, this wine embraces the sensuality and mystery of the multifaceted. At 40% Old Vine Grenache, 39% Old Vine Zinfandel, 15% Old Vine Carignane, 5% Old Vine Mourvèdre, 1% Chenin Blanc, this isn’t just any “red blend.” Winemaker Hardy Wallace tries to take what we think we know about wine and creative something new. This is a wine for the free-spirited, multilayered lover whose parts come together to create a dynamic, one-of-a-kind partner.
Claus Preisinger Puszta Libre!
Restaurant professional Johanna Colaizzi, who’s spent much time with the wine list at James Beard Award semifinalist Apteka, pointed to Austrian Claus Preisinger’s blend of Zweigelt, St. Laurent, and Pinot Noir as an upscale but affordable red. Puszta Libre can spark up a romantic dinner because it shows you know something off-the-beaten-track about wine. We think that’s sexy!
Brachetto d’Acqui
Sommelier Adam Knoerzer thinks Brachetto d’Acqui, an Italian red frizzante is the ideal Valentine’s Day wine because of how well it pairs with chocolate. It has notes of candied strawberry, orange zest, black currant, and apricot that pair perfectly with a bar of dark chocolate or a candy heart. Or a kiss.
Thibault Liger-Belair, ‘Les Deux Terres’
Tyler Borne of Solera Wine Co said that “This wine is the definition of elegance. A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay from Burgundy, it is focused yet delicate. A true showstopper.” It gets its name from the blend of Bourgogne and Beaujoulais, hence “the two soils.” This combination makes for the ultimate indulgence. This will give you something to talk about as your evening winds its way to a romantic denouement.
Fábulas ‘Fortitudo’ Montepulciano
Borne also recommended this rosé of Montepulciano from Abruzzo. “Light pink and beautiful, with notes of strawberry and rose petals. It’s a sexy wine.” Even the bottle of this wine looks sensual, and once the pour starts, you’re treated with a cherry-pink color and aromas of raspberry and pomegranate.
Christian Madl Signature Collection Rosé Brut
Made in the Méthode Traditionelle in the wine regions of Austria, this is not just an “Americans at brunch” kind of rosé. This wine has a big and juicy flavor with a lot of structure to it. “I don’t know if there’s a more romantic wine than sparkling rosé,” Borne said.
Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Kevin Kelly
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