As a girl firmly in her twenties, living in New York in a studio apartment with two male cats I can say that Valentine’s Day is not a big concern in my mind. But as a representative for a California winery that makes a large array of sparkling wine Valentine’s Day is a big event. Even though I have begun to wage a campaign for people to drink sparkling wine on a daily basis (The Campaign for Better Bubble Consumption) the general public continues to insist that it is for special occasions only. So for the moment I will put my campaign aside and accept that this coming Sunday is a big day for bubbles. Let’s go through some of our sparklings and discuss some ideas.
You’re out at a restaurant. The candles are lit. The menus are open. And you espy the seared scallops wrapped. Your date, on the other hand, chooses the fried chicken (it’s possible. fried chicken is very popular these days. Or maybe you’re at a Southern style restaurant. I don’t know, just go with me.) But you’re not in the mood for a Chardonnay (if you were may I suggest the 07 Estate). What to do? Ah! The Brut! Of course! More than just a Champagne stand-in, the Brut is an incredibly food friendly wine. Great with anything spicy, rich, salty or fried.
You decided to stay in and cook for your mate. But what to cook? May I suggest a creamy, Parmesan risotto? If you were my grandmother you would use the Blanc de Blancs to cook the risotto itself. But I’ll more than understand if you’d rather just use the usual chicken broth or white wine to cook with and the Blanc de Blancs to drink. The crisp lemony Blanc de Blancs has had a long time on the yeast so that creamy, toasty quality pairs perfectly with a salty, cheesy risotto while the brightness of the Chardonnay presence in the wine elevates the meal and refreshes the palate.
Sometimes the best meal is the simplest. A dozen oysters, some cheese (I’m thinking a harder, mild-ish cheese like a Sonoma Jack) and a bottle of Russian Cuvee make up what I would think to be an excellent evening. Also, the label is red! How Valentine’s-y!
Here’s a touchy one. For all you married folks out there go ahead and drink away. The wedding cuvee is tasting great right now: fresh, a touch of minerality, green apple, beautiful, fine bubbles. Excellent on its own or when paired with many things – including the Valentine’s favorite, Lobster. Grill it, steam it, put it in a roll. Lobster however you do it with the Wedding is a meal you’ll want to repeat on the most mundane of Tuesdays. But unmarried couples or newly budding relationships, I understand if you are a little hesitant to serve the Wedding for fear of sending the wrong message. If you’re with some one sane, they should understand that the name of a cuvee doesn’t always represent the state of a relationship. But if you’re with some one delightfully a little loony and hyper sensitive then I give you my permission to disguise the bottle by wrapping it in a napkin or even peeling off the label – this requires some soaking. Then just tell your date that it is Iron Horse’s version of a blanc de noirs.
Pink! Hooray! So apt! But beyond that this deeply salmon-colored sparkling has wonderful, toasty taste with bright red fruit and just the slight hint of tannins at the end from the skins of the Pinot Noir. Pair this with a seared duck breast or slab of sushi grade tuna. It’s really quite versatile so go wild with this one. This wine also combines my campaign with that of my father. His is the “Real Men Drink Pink” campaign. So go ahead. Be a man. Buy some sparkling rose.
Happy Valentine’s Day!






























