Celebrate the day of love with some wine! For those of you similar to myself, you’re probably planning a dinner at home and want some delicious wines to pair along with it. Here’s my last minute wine guide for those who are seeking something delicious to compliment their romantic evening. Gather the girls and order your favorite take-out, or spend the evening watching your favorite flick with any one of these wonderful and affordable wine options.

Marquis De La Tour Brut Rosé– A bubbly fit for this special day! Nothing says I love you like a great bottle of sparkling wine, and this one from the Loire Valley is just the bottle you will want. This wine dominates with red berries, intense fruit, and vanilla. On the palate, it’s elegant and refreshing which makes it great with something light like grilled oysters, as well as heartier dishes such as Osso Bucco. $12.99

Roscato Rosso Dolce- This lovely slightly fizzy red wine is romantic and seductive with notes of blackberries, wild berries, and a long finish. Each of the three grapes is vinified separately, which allows Croatina, Teroldego, and Lagrein to reach their optimal ripeness. The Roscato is low in alcohol, so it’s the perfect aperitif to enjoy with appetizers or a charcuterie board! $12.99

Bonterra Elysian Collection Merlot This poetic reference and name of the wine is a fitting description for Bonterra’s organically farmed ranches. Here, sheep roam each winter and this wine symbolizes the interconnectivity that makes their vineyards’ biodiversity possible. This wine opens with black plum, raspberry, and some minerality. It’s a delicious wine that will wow anyone who loves fruit forward notes, some spice, and a memorable finish! $25

Bonterra ” The Roost” Biodynamic Chardonnay- Made in the Burgundian style, this beautiful white wine is ideal for Valentines Day. It’s a romantic expression from a biodynamic vineyard that integrates farming and wildlife. Lemon, apple, and creme brulee are very expressive in this wine followed by balanced acidity. Some oak is noticeable with a touch of toffee which makes this wine ideal with bacon wrapped sea scallops, vegetable risotto, or a romantic pot of delicious cheese fondue! $40

Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso Made with Corvina Veronese, Merlot, and Rondinella grape varietals, this delicious and full-bodied red wine screams romance! The wine is produced in the hills of the Valpantena and Valpolicella Classica area, which are rich with soils rich in iron. This wine expresses hints of dark fruits, black currant, and ripe cherries. It’s a lovely and well balanced red wine that easily pairs with all your favorite Italian dishes, including mushrooms, roasted meats, and hearty pizzas! $26.99
Hermon Moscato- This Israeli Moscato by Yarden is great for those who enjoy their wine and want to “eat it” too! Thanks to Golan Heights Winery, we have a fun gift that can get you and your Valentine in the kitchen for a romantic sipping and cooking session!

Zabaglione al Moscato- by Victor of Golan Heights Winery
Surprise your Valentine with this simple, yet impressive dessert!

Serves: 2
Time: ~10 minutes

Ingredients:

3 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 cup Yarden’s Hermon Moscato

Sliced strawberries

Equipment:

Bowl, non-reactive metal or glass

A water bath that fits your bowl nicely

Whisk

2 dessert glasses

Method: 

1. Arrange some of the strawberries in your empty dessert glasses.

2. Lightly whisk egg yolks, sugar, and Moscato in a bowl.

3. Place bowl over a hot water bath set to low heat and continue whisking. Don’t stop whisking as you don’t want to make scrambled eggs. The mixture will start to foam and come together becoming a thick yet foamy custard, about 10 minutes. It should be hot to the touch. Carefully, remove from heat.

4. Serve into your glasses and decorate with additional strawberries as desired.

Pro Tips:

– If your strawberries are tart, add sugar after you’ve sliced them and let them sit covered for about an hour. The sugar will help draw water out of the strawberries creating a light syrup.

– Take out the eggs ahead of time so they are room temperature, reducing the risk of ending up with scrambled eggs.

– If you feel the custard isn’t coming together, make sure the mixture is getting enough heat. Continue whisking and it will come together.