By TOM MARQUARDT and PATRICK DARR
The origins of Valentine’s Day remain conveniently murky. From a Christian martyr called Valentinus to a priest who signed his last execution note “From Your Valentine,” the story shifts with each retelling. By the 18th century, it had become a time for exchanging love letters, and then Hallmark took over. Though we may sound cynical, we’ll admit it’s an opportunity—commercial gloss and all—to show affection and gratitude. For long- married couples like us and our wives, Valentine’s Day often means a bouquet of roses and a bottle of wine. For those still courting romance, it might involve an extravagant dinner or, heaven help you, jewelry. We can’t advise on diamonds, but we’re happy to guide you to the perfect wine.
Since Valentine’s is draped in red, choosing a red bottle makes sense. Pinot noir is often described as “sexy,” “seductive,” or “feminine”—terms meant to capture its alluring aromas and flavors that draw you in with every sip. Compare that to cabernet sauvignon—tannic, dense, complex—and you’ll see the appeal. Pinot noir is medium-bodied, with notes of red fruit, delicate cherry, and subtle herbal-spice accents. It’s delightful on its own and remarkably food-friendly: salmon, firmer fish in tomato sauces, any pasta, and even duck with a sweet-berry glaze all pair beautifully.
Rich, fatty steaks usually call for cabernet sauvignon, but leaner cuts like tenderloin partner nicely with pinot noir’s finesse.
Our splurge-worthy pick is Kosta Browne pinot noir, though it comes at a premium. We also enjoy Alma Rosa, Flowers, and Lucia. If you’re on a budget, look for La Crema, Alma de Cattleya, Auteur or Cambria.
Another excellent red option is chianti, a perfect match for Italian fare, such as pasta or veal. Chiantis span a wide price range; we recommend bottles from Querciabella, Fontodi, Ruffino, and Antinori.
And don’t forget bubbles. Starting (or ending) the evening with champagne or sparkling wine instantly sets a celebratory tone. You might even find French champagnes priced below some California or Oregon sparklers. For value and dryness, look to Spanish cava over prosecco.
Whatever you choose, make this Valentine’s Day truly special.
Here are some red wines we recently tasted that would do well with a special dinner:
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 ($28). Bright cherry flavors with hints of spice and earth.
Wente Baily Hill Pinot Noir 2022 ($20). From the Central Coast, this wine has bing cherry and red currant flavors. Good price.
Alexana Mosiac Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2023 ($45). This special Oregon wine, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is beautifully structured with gobs of forward raspberry and cherry notes, a dash of spice and forest floor. It is a blend of 50 different vineyard blocks and 22 distinct soils—a mosiac indeed.
Auteur Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023 ($60). Seamless, inky and lush in texture with sweet cherry flavors and hints of spice.
Querciabella Chianti Classico 2021 ($35). You get a lot for your money with this well- balanced DOCG chianti. Good depth of character.
Marchesi Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Donato 2021 ($60). Fresh fruit character, full body and floral aromas.
Sallier de la Tour Nero d’Avola Sicilia 2022 ($17). Red fruit flavors and decent tannin to make it a good wine to serve with meat dishes or pasta. Made entirely from nero d’avola grapes.
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina DOCG 2021 ($19). What a deal. Light but tasty with notes of blueberries and raspberries with a hint of spice.
Tenuta Regaleali Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2021 ($17). Gobs of red fruit flavors and medium in body.
Combio do Vesuvio DOC Douro 2022 ($25). This Portuguese wine from Quinta do Vesuvio continues to impress with with price-quality ratio. It is a fruit blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz and tinta barroca. Red to drink.
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence ($24). Toasty, yeasty nose with citrus and pear flavors.
J Winery California Cuvee ($28). Simple with tropical fruit and apple notes.
Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2023 ($26). Pure fruit character with grapes coming from the Russian River Valley and coastal regions. Blackberry notes with a hint of spice.
A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir 2022 ($20). This reasonably priced pinot has a nice love story behind it. Winemakers Anna and Olivier Prost met during the 2007 Napa Valley harvest after being introduced by a mutual friend while they were working as harvest interns just three miles apart. They traveled the globe together doing harvests in Argentina, New Zealand Australia before joining A to Z in 2009. This pinot is simple but expressive.
Wine picks
Luigi Bosca de Sangre Malbec 2023 ($32). Ripe red fruit notes, a dash of spice and velvety tannins make this an easy drink.
Line 39 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 ($11). Blackberry aromas and jammy plum flavors with a dose of chocolate.
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