Looking for a good wine in Sarasota? The arrival of Valentine’s Day begs the question is, “What is the more romantic of all wines?”
Well, when it comes to both wine and romance, there is simply no debating that France is at the epicenter of that universe. Who would dispute that the French have made romance into a cottage industry? On top of that, France is clearly the undisputed “Granddaddy of Them All” when it comes to wine.
Most wine authorities agree that Pinot Noir is the most romantic and seductive of all varietals. Soft, smooth and silky with elements of earth and spice, Pinot Noir is perfect for an intimate rendezvous.
Pre-dating the Cabernet grape, Pinot Noir is the red grape of France’s renowned Burgundy Region, producing legions of exquisite red wines. Burgundy has a higher number of Appellation d’origine contrôlées (AOCs) than any other French area, and is often seen as the most terroir-conscious of the French wine regions.
A very limited list of Bourgogne appellations include: Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Nuits Saint Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey St Denis, Pommard and Savigny-Les-Beaune. Since this can be a bit confusing, we recommend obtaining assistance from your favorite retail wine guy.
Bourgogne Rouge is complex and ethereal, offering heavily nuanced aromas ranging from fruity red currant, raspberry, red and black cherry, red and black berries to hints of vanilla. Flavor profiles typically include descriptions of an array of red and black fruits balanced perfectly by elements of mushroom, minerality, earth and spice.
The wonder of great Burgundy is that it never smacks you in the face. It chooses instead to provide a wide variety of complexity, subtlety and sophistication. It whispers to you and tickles a variety of areas of the palate. A great Burgundy can offer you something unique with every new sip, caressing the palate with satin-like tannins, generous in every way, and yet flirtatious and mysterious.
Burgundy pairs well with an enormous array of dishes from beef to chicken and seafood, making it a wonderfully convenient choice for the beginner. When it comes to pairing with cheese Pinot Noir matches up nicely with delicately flavored, washed rind cheeses and nutty, medium-firm cheeses. Gruyere and Taleggio are examples. If you prefer a softer style, try a Brie or Camembert.
We hope we’ve awakened and excited your romantic wine fantasies. May you, and the one you love, enjoy the day and a wonderful glass of the world’s most romantic wine.