From the heart
Valentine’s Day love offerings from Costco’s libations buyers
Giving chocolates for Valentine’s Day is a classic gesture, but it’s certainly not the only way to warm a loved one’s heart. Here are some suggestions from three Costco buyers that Cupid would be proud of. —Will Field
All about the bubbles
Champagne is my favorite Valentine’s Day drink, hands down. A flute of bubbly with your special someone is a must— especially on February 14.
Synonymous with elegance and luxury, Champagne can be quite versatile. Whether you enjoy it with a wedge of tasty brie or sip it with a delicious lobster tail smothered in butter, Champagne holds a little bit of heaven in every sip. And let’s not forget how well it goes with chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.
Champagne is a specific wine-growing region in northeast France, and all true Champagne comes from this area. Bubbly wine produced outside the Champagne region is referred to as sparkling wine. The three most common grape varietals used to make some of the world’s greatest Champagnes are chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier.
Sparkling wine is a category that has been on fire for several years, from true Champagne to prosecco from Italy to sparkling wine from anywhere else. People enjoy it well beyond the traditional celebratory occasions.
As you prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special loved one, family or a good friend, don’t forget to include a bottle of your favorite bubbly. It will make the occasion extra special. — Paul Neumann Los Angeles regional liquor buyer
The Italian job
When I think of romantic wines, Italy comes to mind. Tuscany, located in central Italy, is about 8,900 square miles of rolling hills. This region is magical and unlike anywhere else. The wines produced there are just as exquisite. Luckily, we can all experience a little bit of Tuscan romance in a bottle of this region’s wine.
Sangiovese is the predominant grape variety in Tuscany, and the wines range in style depending on their origin within this large growing region. For example, Chianti, a major growing region in the heart of Tuscany as well as a regulated wine style from that region, relies on sangiovese grapes for its body and dominant flavors of red fruits and dried herbs. Chianti wines are dry, red fruit driven and medium-bodied, with great acidity. They are wines that truly taste their best when paired with food. Try with simple pasta dishes with red sauce, meatballs, grilled or roasted lamb, hard cheeses, and pizza or flatbreads.
Still in Tuscany, but south of Chianti, the beautiful town of Montalcino is famous for Brunello di Montalcino wines, made exclusively with local clones of sangiovese grapes. Brunello di Montalcinos, also dry reds, tend to be richer on the palate than Chianti. They exhibit intense aromas and typically age gracefully into even more complexity. Brunellos pair well with rich dishes that match the wine’s overall intensity, such as steak, slow- roasted meats, hard cheeses and bold pasta dishes like Bolognese.
If you want something nontraditional, try super Tuscans, quality wines that bend Italy’s strict wine production rules to include non-indigenous grape varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Super Tuscans range in style, depending on the blend. Some are big and bold, while others are more restrained. Super Tuscans pair well with a wide range of foods, including pasta, pizza, mushroom risotto, grilled or roasted meats, and cheese.
Italian wines are the perfect complement to Italy’s amazing food. Salute! — Kristen Chambers Costco Northwest regional buyer
Two become one
Not unlike Valentine’s Day, my drink of choice for this day brings two entities together in beautiful harmony: red wine and bourbon. This classic is known as a New York Sour (see recipe), but in our house it’s called a His (wine) and Hers (bourbon). So whether you fancy the idea of coupling your alcohol or see humor in toasting Valentine’s Day with a sour, this drink fits the bill. Enjoy! — Rikki Twyford Costco Northeast regional assistant wine, beer and liquor buyer
