Wines of the week: February 8
‘Supple’, ‘seductive’, ‘tannic’, the language of wine is not dissimilar to the language of love. Writers have long compared wines to famous women: this Burgundy is Brigitte Bardot whereas this Australian Chardonnay is more Hattie Jacques. Though I suppose in The Lady I should be comparing them to David Niven or that nice young man from Downton. It’s this equation of wine with the human body in all its carnality that makes it just the thing for Valentine’s Day. The traditional drink would be pink wines, especially champagnes, but what you want are wines with something joyful, wines that make you pause and say ‘Mmmm, that’s delicious.’ It’s not a time to be cheap – some of the wine’s beauty will reflect on you and who you’re spending the evening with. If not, don’t worry, have another glass. Alcohol makes everything seem prettier.
Vignerons des Terres Secrètes Mâcon 2010, £11: www.bottleapostle.com
An effortlessly pretty and youthful red, it should have you dancing round the room as if you’re in an amateur production of The King And I.
Jacquart Brut Mosaïque NV, £18: www.majestic.co.uk
There are cooked apples and Marmite on the nose and none of the raw acidity or sugar that you sometimes get in cheaper champagnes.
Cordorníu Cava Vintage Brut 2010, £10.49: www.tesco.com
With its tiny, elegant bubbles, this is perfect for romance on a budget. The best thing is that your partner will never suspect how little it costs.
Harvey Nichols Margaux 09, £25: www.harveynichols.com
Made by Margaux legends, Rauzan-Ségla, this is gorgeous. One sip and the beautiful fragrance will overcome you. It’s the nearest thing to an aphrodisiac I’ve had this year. If you can’t seduce with this one, then you’re really not trying.
Vignerons des Terres Secrètes Mâcon 2010, £11: www.bottleapostle.com
An effortlessly pretty and youthful red, it should have you dancing round the room as if you’re in an amateur production of The King And I.
Jacquart Brut Mosaïque NV, £18: www.majestic.co.uk
There are cooked apples and Marmite on the nose and none of the raw acidity or sugar that you sometimes get in cheaper champagnes.
Cordorníu Cava Vintage Brut 2010, £10.49: www.tesco.com
With its tiny, elegant bubbles, this is perfect for romance on a budget. The best thing is that your partner will never suspect how little it costs.
Harvey Nichols Margaux 09, £25: www.harveynichols.com
Made by Margaux legends, Rauzan-Ségla, this is gorgeous. One sip and the beautiful fragrance will overcome you. It’s the nearest thing to an aphrodisiac I’ve had this year. If you can’t seduce with this one, then you’re really not trying.