Wine Guy: Cupid’s cellar

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Love is in the air. Can you smell it? Does love smell floral? Does it give off sweet, saccharine scents? Not sure, but you will certainly smell those aromas and more if you choose to pair Valentine’s Day with a bottle of wine.

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Given the pending occasion, it’s time to dip back into Cupid’s cellar to highlight a few bottled options ready to impress your valentine: 

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Gran Alanís 2021 Treixadura Godello, Spain ($23.99, No. 345085)

Of course, the best wine to curry a romantic air would be the one most enjoyed by your amor. That said, if looking to spice things up, surprise with something fun and new.

Locally, we don’t see many bottles from the Ribeiro region of northwestern Spain, never mind wine made from the typical Treixadura and Godello grapes grown in Galicia. This golden-hued white brings great aromas of flowers and citrus, with an engaging mineral nuance. It’s robust yet fresh, and certainly an elegant wine to pour with seafood or fish dishes.

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Wait, you are cooking for your valentine this year, right?

Bottom line: A-, stylish sipper.

Montes La Finca Clos d’Angel 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile ($17.99, No. 166342)

Then again, there’s no getting around the associations of red with Valentine’s Day, and honestly many may prefer to toast Cupid with a glass of rouge.

So why not buy fully in and pour a glass of Clos d’Angel Cab Sauv? The “Walled Vineyard of the Angel” does have a romantic ring to it, and there is an angel on the label after all.

Moreover, this sumptuous red is quite easy to get into: fruit forward, full of plum and dark berry, with an underlying tobacco and herbal tone complemented by integrated oak.

Plush enough to try pairing with chocolate, a nice grilled steak, or both.

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Bottom line: B, smooth operator.

Blue Mountain 2019 Brut Rosé, B.C. ($39.90, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

Finally, clichés be darned — there’s good reason why pink bubbly is associated with romance. The seductive colour, the kiss of tingly bubbles on the lips — it’s a recipe made for pleasurable celebration.

Pouring the palest blush of pinky-orange, this fine sparkler is a classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (in 70/30 mix). Expressive aromas of red berry and citrus lead off, with a rich and robust entry, a touch of mineral and earth mid-palate and a lip-smacking, dry yet punchy finish.

Year-in and year-out Blue Mountain’s R.D. Brut Rosé is dependably delicious and elegant, and the “Recently Disgorged” 2019 is no exception.

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Bottom line: A, classy toast to Cupid.

The Swirl: Valentine’s Day pairings

If staying in isn’t your style for Valentine’s Day, there’s no shortage of wine and food events available.

One unique event to note: Capitan Tacos will be hosting a special wine tasting and five-course Mexican menu at the Broadway International Wine Shop (2752 W. Broadway in Vancouver).

Two sittings are available (6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.), with tickets $110 (plus fees).

To see the full menu and reserve spaces, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentine-s-day-special-wine-tasting-and-five-course-menu-tickets-800820755437?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse&keep_tld=1

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