Valentine's Day Wine

A folklore proverb says that "Saint Valentine brings the keys of roots" and work in the vineyards and fields commence as plants and flowers start to grow. Today we associate the day with romantic love, cards and chocolate. It is also a reminder of the love affair our winemakers have with their vines. In honour of this relationship, we have chosen six wines that embody Saint Valentine's Day. All available in the Valentine's in the Vines case. And not to worry, we won't forget about your Valentine's/Galentine's Day chocolate fix. It seems appropriate given the snow on the ground to provide a heartwarming Red Wine Hot Chocolate recipe. That's right; Hot Chocolate spiked with red wine.

Valentine's in the Vines Case

A lot of thought went into the Valentine's in the Vines case. It is the perfect wine lover's gift. Luc Lapeyere L'Amourier brings together everything he loves about his vineyard – juicy ripe fruit, spice, earthiness and many layers of texture and flavour. Domaine de la Pirolette Saint-Amour is aptly named after the Saint of Love, and if you love Beaujolais, then you will swoon after this wine. Jacky Charpentier Brut Prestige Rosé is romantic for all the right reasons beyond the obvious pink seductive bubbles. It will work equally well with your Valentine's Day aperitif, main or fruity dessert. Domaine Ricard — We fell hard for this bad guy and his wine. Vincent Ricard's wicked sense of humour and healthy disregard for the status quo led him to duly label his red Le Vilain P'tit Rouge, "the little red villain." Premier Rendez-vous ("First Date") is couple Lisa and Bertrand's from Domaine Jousset first wine and a loving introduction to their philosophy of Chenin that will undoubtedly lead to a second date. We all love Bender 'I Love Mosel'! And the label alone is a good Riesling to gift this to your loved one (see what we did there).

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

This is a decadent adult hot cocoa that is sure to warm your or your loved one's heart on a chilly Valentine's/Galentine's Day. Red wine and chocolate have a lot in common. They are both considered aphrodisiacs and both contain flavanols (a different type of Tannin and antioxidant). In short, red wine and chocolate can be a match made in heaven and good for you. We suggest a full-bodied, fruity red with a little acidity to offset the marriage of tannins in this timeless pairing. 1 1/3 cup milk 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks 1 cup red wine 1/2 tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and dark chocolate chunks. Whisk until chocolate melts into the milk resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Turn off heat and pour in the red wine and vanilla extract. Stir together. Pour into 2 mugs or 4-6 teacups. Optional Toppings Marshmallows (cut into heart shapes) Sprinkled Cacao Powder Notes If you're feeling bold, substitute some or all of the milk for half and half or heavy cream. For a one-stop shop -- An Olivia's Chocolate is also sold in our retail location in Mullingar. You can also find her chocolate sold online here. She is a small Irish-owned business based in Co. Westmeath, Ireland.