It’s always a fun time when I pair up with Ray Ilse from Food & Wine and we pick wines for the Today Show. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and spring nowhere in sight (except at my house in California), we chose a few winter wines to enjoy for the rest of the cold season, and a few Valentine’s Day wines to snuggle up to your honey with. All of these wines are under $25 and watch the video following to see what delicious food to pair with some of them as well!
Winter Wines and the Perfect Valentines Day Wines
Winter Whites
Ray
2016 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc, France, $17, Guigal
An affordable French white crafted with a blend of primarily Viognier with Roussanne and other Rhone white grapes, this is a top value from a storied Rhône Valley producer. With melon and citrus notes, it’s a winter white wine to serve with anything gracing the table.
Leslie
2016 Ponzi Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $19, Ponzi Vineyards
If this luscious yet crisp wine was an item of clothing, it would be a sleek winter-white dress that pairs with any occasion. The same is true for Ponzi’s Pinot Gris, which matches dishes from squash soup to grilled fish. The Ponzi sisters, Maria and Luisa, are wine mavens in charge of this classic Oregon winery. Their vibrant personalities are reflected in this joy-to-sip white.
Winter Reds
Ray
Medici Ermete I Quercioli “Secco” Lambrusco, Italy, $14, Kobrand Wine & Spirits
Yes, it’s deeply, intensely red in color, and it’s sparkling. But Medici’s I Quercioli Lambrusco isn’t sweet at all, and it’s a superb match for rich winter dishes. Pasta bolognese and this…you’re talking perfection.
Leslie
2015 Peachy Canyon “Incredible Red” blend, California, $15, Peachy Canyon
When winter weather is whirling outside, stay inside with a hearty dish and a big glass of something incredible. This juicy Zinfandel-based blend sports full-bodied flair, dark fruit flavors, and a peppery kick. Serve alongside braised meat dishes, mushroom risotto, or pulled pork.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Wines
Ray
NV Mionetto “Cuvee Anniversario” Valdobiadenne Prosecco, Italy, $24, Mionetto USA
Kick off the romantic evening with this limited-release sparkler from one of the most well-known Prosecco producers in Italy. It’s history in a glass. Dry, crisp and lively, it’s great for a romantic toast. The bottle is stunning, too, making it the perfect gift for your Valentine.
Leslie
2016 Sanford Rosé, Sta. Rita Hills, California, $22, Sanford Winery
Not only is this rosé a delicious partner for most meals, it’s elegant and beautiful to look at…just like your Valentine. Crafted by one of California’s legendary producers with Pinot Noir from two estate vineyards, including the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, this is a serious pink but also seriously fun to sip.
Romantic Dinner Wines
Ray
2015 Charles Smith Wines “Velvet Devil” Merlot, Washington, $14, Charles Smith Wines
When you want to walk on the wild side, look for wines from Charles Smith. This whimsical Washington red is a rich, luscious Merlot with dark berry fleshiness. Come on, who doesn’t want to get a little devilish on Valentine’s Day?
Leslie
Graham’s “Six Grapes” Reserve Port, Portugal, $24, Premium Port
End the evening in sultry style with this opulent yet elegant dessert sipper from one of the famed producers of Port. W. & J. Graham’s dates to 1820 and is a producer that marries tradition with innovation. I adore their Six Grapes Port for its high quality and affordable price. It’s a decadently smooth and lightly sweet wine to finish a meal in sexy style.
