Valentine’s Day is for spending time with loved ones. Having a delicious dinner and drinking some wine is always a great way to make it special. If your love is just blooming or you’ve been together for what seems like a life time this is a perfect time to celebrate your love and commitment to each other and why not along the CT Winter Wine Trail!
I Love supporting all the the #CTFarmWineries in our beautiful State and here are a couple that I selected off the #CTWinterWineTrail and some pairing suggestions on whether you are celebrating at the Wineries or in the comfort of your home.
For more information about the Connecticut Winter Wine Trail please visit ****HERE****
Off-Dry to Dry Rieslings I love! And the one from Sunset Meadow Vineyards 2009 Riesling is a great selection! A dry, crisp white wine with a floral bouquet and hints of green apple on the finish. This style of Riesling pairs well with soft creamy cheeses such as Bree, Camembert and Goat Cheese.
If you are in the mood for Bubbles I have 2 Favorites!!
Hopkins Vineyard ~ is crafting the traditional mèthode champenoise with their Sparkling Wine that is Estate Bottled – Gold Label. This vintage of their barrel aged Chardonnay & Pinot Noir has a creamy richness with a hint of baked apples.
Paradise Hills Vineyard ~ Nottte di Amore “Night of Love” a Sparkling estate grown Cayuga White grapes is nicely balanced semi-dry wine w/ overtones of peach and pineapple flavors.
I love to pair sparkling wines with Oysters on the half shell with a Champagne mignonette or with Caviar and Sour Cream!
Yes Way Rose! Something Pink for Valentines Day is always a fun way to celebrate and also it pairs nicely with so many different dishes because it’s technically not a white or a red wine. I love the Washington Trail Rose from Paradise Hills Vineyard, it is fruity and refreshing. The beautiful color with hints of strawberry and has a delightful crisp finish! I would pair this with a salad or some melon wrapped in prosciutto which is easy to bring with you to the vineyard!
If you are in the mood to cozy up by the fire with some reds my pick is Jonathan Edwards Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc ~A mid-weight red with gorgeous color reveals soft cherry, cranberry and spicy nuances. A smooth lingering finish of cinnamon and nutmeg complements a broad mouth feel. Cabernet Franc can be paired with a wide variety of foods due to their natural acidity and slightly reduced tannin. This higher acidity makes it able to pair with some tomato based dishes and even BBQ.
Dessert wines with dessert! Chocolate infused Merlot port from Taylor Brooke Winery! You will find strong chocolate on the nose, the fruity complexity of raspberries and cherries of the merlot port. Followed by a long, chocolate finish is just what you need to complete your evening paired with some Dark Chocolate Truffles with that special person in your life.
Cheers to you and your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. And be sure to visit the 14 CT Farm Wineries along the CT Winter Wine Trail this season before April 7th, 2019. The Winter Adventure just awaits you and its a magical time of the year.
Cheers with Love ~ Margaret