Treat your valentine with a special vino

Valentine’s Day is a great occasion to enjoy some vino with the one you love.

The tradition of enjoying an intimate dinner and a great bottle of wine is ingrained into the consciousness of romantics around the globe.

The problem is that making a wrong decision at the Valentine’s Day dinner table can taint the entire dining experience and potentially ruin your wonderful romantic evening.

One of the keys to successful Valentine’s Day wine selection is buying something you know will be good.

This guide is intended to provide some solid options that are available in most area stores and wine lists.

It is important to avoid buying that “bad bottle” to start or finish your evening.

If none of the wines listed are available where you are, ask the store manager or restaurant owner for some personal recommendations.

The memory of your wine experience on Valentine’s Day can go either way.

Make sure yours is a positive one.

Here are some guidelines for those hoping to get the most out of their wine-food experience on the most romantic of holidays:

Sparkling

Mumm Napa Brut Rose: beautiful start with your appetizers or as an “aperitif.” This blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay offers hints of light cherry and ripe strawberry.

San Giulio Malvasia: An “old world” sweet red bubbly from Italy offering rich and ripe fruit. Enjoy this bubbly at the end of your evening with a selection of chocolate dessert.

White

Conundrum: This white blend is exotic, enticing and mysterious. Lush layers of peach, melon and pear fruit mingle with subtle vanilla and fresh acidity. Drink with seafood.

Landmark Overlook Chardonnay: Intense and elegant, this Sonoma County white presents tastes of apple, nectarine, white chocolate and a hint of toast. Will work well with poultry, shellfish or spicy Asian cuisine.

Sweet

Lucia Moscato: A classic Italian favorite with vivacious white peach, Granny Smith apple, and bosc pear fruit. Hints of fresh flowers and fresh baked bread on the nose. Enjoy with any variety of white fruit pastry, cake or pie.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling: This Washington state Riesling is moderately sweet with good balance and refreshing acidity on the finish. Well balanced and not over the top with its sugar content. Enjoy with spicy cuisine or a variety of salads.

Red

Michael David Petite Petit: A unique blend of 85 percent Petite Syrah and 15 percent Petit Verdot. A full bodied, dense wine with concentrated dark fruit flavors and healthy spice notes with an incredible mouth feel. Great with a grilled pork chop, pasta, or game dishes.

Buehler Napa Valley Estate Cabernet: Deeply extracted fruit flavors of plum, black cherry and cassis mingle with moderate black pepper and cola spice. Inviting and intriguing in its flavor profile. Enjoy with a nice steak or any bolder entr e selection.

Wine Gifts

Many area retailers offer champagne gift sets that include glasses, and most independent retailers will make a Valentine’s Day wine gift basket for you if you request it in advance. Whatever you do, find a way to enhance your Valentine’s Day with some vino!