With this February being what it is, we probably want to be cozying up under a soft, warm blanket, with a fire or candle glowing and enjoying a glass or two of something nice.

The pickings this year were a little slim in terms of wines marketed specifically to Valentine’s Day. This could be due to the current and pervasive supply chain issues. Whatever the reason, I managed to find a couple that looked fun and holiday ready.

Check out the video I made for a little more info on these fun wines!❣️

Quinta De La Rosa 2017 douRosa Red Blend –

Made in the Douro region of Portugal, this is a luscious red blend from Portugal comprised of 35% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, and 30% Tinta Roriz grapes. Hand-picked and quietly left to mature for two years in stainless steel tanks, it is deep in color with an intense dark berry, blueberry vibe with both leathery and hint ‘o’ mint qualities. Younger wines have more of a violet vibe on the nose and they tend to have a dry and grippy mouthfeel due to bolder tannins.

The Douro region has a drier climate, with very warm summers. Because of an unusually dry, warm summer in 2017, harvest was a little early; mid – August, when the fruit was at its peak.

Tasting Notes:

• Deep ruby color – rich and clear – so beautiful in the glass

• Hints of violet (a soft, powdery raspberry vibe on the top) and caramel on the nose

• Dark, rich raspberry and blackberry w/a lush mouthfeel

• Medium tannin and mid-hi alcohol

• Paired beautifully with vegetarian pizza and fresh ripe blackberries

• Decant for at least an hour to open flavors

$19.99

Santero Villa Jolanda I Love You Extra Dry Spumante – This is one of the cutest damn bottles I’ve seen so far. Santero comes up with seasonal cool graphics; Halloween (which always sells out so I can never get my hands on one ), Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.

That’s part of the reason to check it out, and as an affordable sparkler, this is a fun offering. Especially if you’ve spent some of your cash on flowers, chocolate, and dinner, it adds up. Your sparkling wine should never leave you with a negative balance. Some might disagree on that statement. And while it is true, the sky can be the limit on what you can pay for a beautiful sparkling wine, feel free to adjust your Valentine’s budget accordingly.

Tasting Notes:

• Light yellow straw color – lots of pretty bubbles

• Nice acidity, not too sweet

• Flavors of honeydew melon, pear, cream

• Lighter body, refreshing mouthfeel,

• No decanting needed (don’t want to lose those bubbles)

• Serve ice cold

• Pairs: Anything

• $15.99

I hope you all have a happy and safe Valentine’s Day!💝

Please enjoy responsibly, and if you can’t be the with wine you love, love the wine you’re with!🥰

Cheers!🍷🥂

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