Valentine’s Day Dinner Wine Pairings

I am often asked to match wine to the menus I create. Sometimes I make my own suggestions but this time I called in an expert.

Lorie O’Sullivan is the Sommelier for TOCA restaurant at the new Ritz Carleton Hotel in Toronto. She has lent her expertise and created perfect wine pairings that are sure to elevate this Valentine’s Day dinner to a whole new level. Lorie has also included tasting notes so you can impress your Sweetie Pie with your grasp of the subtleties and nuances of each pairing. You’re guaranteed to appear sexier!

All wines are available in Vintages with most quantities available at Summerhill and/or Queens Quay LCBO. But if you can’t find certain suggestions use the grape varietals as a guidance and make up your own tasting notes. I won’t tell…

Lorie’s wine pairings can be found below. I look forward to making this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Please let me know the outcome by either email or blog post at www.chezvousdining.ca/index.php/blog/valentines-day.

To Get The Night Started:

Blue Mountain Brut, Okanagan Valley, BC $32.95 This dry sparkling wine from BC was aged over 24 months in oak in the traditional method. Look for notes of lemon with toasty bread notes on the finish.

OR

Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé Cremant D`Alsace, Alsace, France $18.95 Perfect for Valentine’s Day that has notes of strawberry and cranberry. This sparkling wine is off dry in style.

With the Chicken Consomme and Fifth Town Goat Cheese Tartlette:

2009 Sileni Cellars Selection Pinot Gris, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand $15.95 This medium bodied wine will match nicely with the flavours in the consommé and allow the ginger flavour to shine. The great acidity in this wine will also be an excellent match with the sweet and savoury flavour of the Tartlette.

With the Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs:

2004 Hawkes Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California $29.95 Amazing wine for the price with dark fruit flavours and well integrated oak.

With the Lobster:

2008 Organized Crime Unoaked Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara $19.20 Lots of apple and pear notes that give way to mouthwatering acidity and a clean finish.

And to finish off the night:

Delaforce Reserve Port, Douro, Portugal $15.95 Look for notes of chocolate, figs and plums in this delicious Port!