Valentine Wines

St. Valentine – the very name conjures up a sense of fear and trepidation in even the most ardent amorist.

By tradition, men with mistresses entertain their concubines to lunch on Valentine’s Day, leaving the evening free for more domestic attentions. A word of caution though, if intending to keep the spouse in tow, ensure she receives the more expensive gift. 

Flowers, chocolate, perfume, lingerie, jewels, or wine; the choice is unlimited. The history of St. Valentine’s Day is a long and complicated one. Initially a Christian festival, it has developed into an exercise in mass marketing and a social minefield.

The link between the scent of wine and arousal is well established and at risk of boring regular LE Society readers, I would plump for champagne as my preferred romantic initiator; what more romantic gift could there be than Perrier Jouët Fleur de Champagne, at around £95. Better still, plump for the rosé if you can, at £130.

This excellent cuvée has class; a delicate richness and soft, approachable style, which is extremely flattering. The Japanese anemones designed by artist Emile Gallé give the clear bottle a graceful element; why not invest in a bunch of anemones to go with it? 

Not enamoured with bubbly, or buying for your main man? There are reputable still wines to be had without resorting to the fake ‘Valentine’ theme.

My top wine for a romantic romp through the wine rack is "Saint-Amour".  Georges Duboeuf makes a Saint-Amour that enhances the romance with flowers on the bottle. This sexy Beaujolais is as romantic in style as its name implies. A powerful wine with the big, red and black fruit flavours of Gamay, it goes well with any grilled meat. Other names to look out for are Jadot and Drouhin. Around £12 a bottle.

 Wines available from good supermarkets and fine wine merchants.

Linda Piggott-Vijeh has been advising the hospitality industry on food and wine for almost three decades and has a 100% pass rating for WSET exam courses.