Thirsty’s Elodie Cameron gives her top tips for what to drink this Valentine’s Day
Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and Cupid’s arrow will shortly be aimed at us all, striking many down with a deep desire… to buy overpriced cards and gifts.
However, the real St Valentine had almost nothing to do with our romantic – not to mention commercialised – image of this amorous day. He appears to have been a Roman priest in around 270AD who performed secret Christian marriage ceremonies for couples, against the command of Emperor Claudius II. For this, Valentine was eventually tortured and decapitated on 14 February – thus proving, I suppose, that you can die because of love…
Actually, I’m generally a total humbug when it comes to Valentine’s Day as you may have noticed, and find the traditional shows of affection pretty tedious. But having now discovered the ‘true’ story of this festival I’m finding myself far more drawn to the idea of celebrating it. The drama and intrigue deserves recognition, so this year I’m giving it print space.
Here are a few thoughts on what to drink:
1. Don’t go for anything with a romantic name – it’s just cheesy.
2. Don’t drink anything you wouldn’t drink the rest of the year.
3. Love it or hate it, going out or staying in, single or coupled up: you’ve got to drink something.
For the Romantic
Okay, I know some of you just love Valentine’s Day and want to drink something with bubbles – especially if it’s pink. Just go with the flow and abandon yourself to the pink sparkler; it’s one of those treats we don’t indulge in every day, so go for it – whatever your budget, there are options to suit.
Beaumont des Crayères Grand Rosé NV Champagne (£31.50): This raspberry pink rosé champagne has salmon hues and fine bubbles, complex notes of raspberry, cherry and strawberry with citrus notes – what’s not to like? Pairs perfectly with langoustines if you really want to go to town. Fresh yet distinguished.
BelStar, Cuvée Rosé NV (£13.10): With top notch credentials, prosecco house Bisol has made wine for over five centuries and produces some of the region’s most highly regarded wines. Think strawberries and cream – the ripe fruit flavours and soft creamy mousse combine with a dry and crisp finish, giving exceptional balance.
If you’re not into Valentine’s Day
It’s cold and dark outside so curl up on the sofa, preferably with someone you’d like to spend the evening with (which may make this a solo effort) and indulge in a good bottle of red. I recommend ‘a mon seul désir’, Château de Montfrin (£18.20). Yes, the name of this wine translates as ‘my only desire’, thus fitting the bill perfectly. From the Costières de Nîmes in the South of France, this full-bodied wine delivers spicy syrah, smooth grenache and rich mouvèdre – like the perfect lover, this wine will caress you all evening.
Trying to impress?
Whether staying in or going out, cooking or ordering, for me, Japanese food is a great choice – and there is something quite sensual in the textures and flavours of those delicate morsels that invites us to feel romantic. Rieslings can vary greatly from dry to sweet, fruity to mineral, aromatic to austere, according to the terroir or vineyard from which it comes. Ideally, for Japanese food a fine dry riesling will offer a balance of ripeness and minerality, offering a delicate character for raw fish or shellfish.
Riesling Kalkmergel Rings (£15.70): Rieslings from the Pfalz in Germany have just the perfect balance for mixed sushi. This kalmergel from Rings is juicy and fresh, slightly off-dry (perfect for the delicate sweetness of sushi rice) but in addition has a lightly chalky minerality from the limestone soil, giving finesse and a well-balanced acidity. Sure to put you in favour…
