"We are all mortal until the first kiss and the second glass of wine".
 -Eduardo Galeano
There are two things to be said for February—January is behind us, and Valentine’s Day is coming up soon (sorry, Groundhog Day doesn’t get much respect at our house). Our customers and readers who are looking for some inspiration for this occasion need look no further. First, some history. There were actually two historical Saint Valentines. Both were martyrs of the early Christian Church, and both were beheaded on February 14, although in different years. The more recent customs that are associated with Valentine’s Day have nothing whatsoever to do with the lives of the saints.
The ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, honoring Juno, the goddess of women and marriage, fell on February 15. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius ended Lupercalia, and decreed that Saint Valentine’s Day would be observed on February 14 instead. For almost a thousand years, February 14 was merely another saint’s day observed by the church, but gradually the objective of the Roman festival got transferred to the new date. Our modern Valentine’s Day can be traced to Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote that February 14 was the day the birds chose their mates. That was both charming and appealing. As early as 1446, young English men and women were exchanging messages of affection and devotion on that day. Since that time, Valentine’s Day has evolved into the celebration of romance and affection that we know today.
There is no human emotion that cannot be exploited for profit by the U.S. Greeting Card Association. It might surprise you to know that around the world some one billion Valentine cards will be exchanged this February 14, making it the second largest card-sending occasion behind only Christmas. Of special significance is the fact that 85% of all Valentine cards will be purchased by females. Wise men will take note.
For most of us, our earliest personal memories of Valentine’s Day occurred in elementary school. Remember what a huge deal Valentine’s Day was? And how stressful it was? The whole classroom would be decorated with chains of red paper hearts made by the students. How many Valentines will I get? Will the little blond girl I have a crush on send me one? Do you remember trying to watch a special person’s face when he or she opened your Valentine? Oh well, even if you struck out, there were those chocolate-covered marshmallow candies, and those cute little chalky candy hearts with the sayings on them (”Be Mine”, “Hubba-Hubba”).
We assume that anyone who has read this far is past those days and is looking for something more adult for the celebration of this special occasion. There are three things needed to have a successful Valentine’s Day. First (especially for the men), don’t under-estimate the importance your significant other attaches to this day. You both will probably forget what you did together this February 14, but if you do nothing, she won’t ever forget! Second, a tangible expression of your love and devotion is expected (trust us on this). We’re talking flowers, chocolates, or at least a romantic card (see preceding paragraph), and maybe all three depending upon your situation. It is a good, and relatively inexpensive, way to stay in the good graces of your mate. And if you give some special attention to it (or go for jewelry or lingerie), you might even gain forgiveness for past transgressions. Although it might appear to be self-serving, I maintain that the third essential element for a successful Valentine’s Day is a great bottle of wine. I’m talking something really good here--something she will notice, and not a “vin ordinaire”. If you are taking your special person out to dinner, she (or he) will be impressed that you are taking your own special bottle, and paying a corkage fee just to make sure you have the perfect companion to your meal. If you are cooking at home, you have more control over the ambiance--the preliminaries. You can orchestrate the presentations of the gifts as appropriate, choose your own music, select your own menu, and forget the corkage fees! It should come as no surprise that we have some wine suggestions.
Monthly readers of this newsletter will recognize our first suggestion, which we recommend for many occasions. It is Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Rose Champagne ($48.99). This is a real French Champagne (not an imitation sparkly). It is a gorgeous color, beautiful and bubbly in the glass, and quite delicious. This is a sure winner! As long as men are men and women are women, there will be a place for this wine! If your budget calls for something less expensive, try the Rosa Regale Sparkling Dolce by Banfi (sale priced at $18.99). This is an Italian sparkling wine, and a bit more sweet, but also festive. For a red dinner wine, our guys highly recommend the 2003 Cesare Amarone ($39.99). There is an appealing element of mystery here because many people are unfamiliar with this wine. It is Italian, and is made painstakingly by spreading late-picked grapes out to dry (like raisins) for three or four months. When the fruit has shriveled, and the sugar and flavors are fully concentrated, the grapes are crushed. The resulting wine is opulent and spellbinding, with mocha and earthy flavors. A wine to be savored and remembered! For a white wine drinker, choose Hendry Unoaked Chardonnay at $20.99. Or, for a personal romantic touch, buy something you shared and enjoyed together in the blush of courtship. It is sure to bring back memories and may rekindle a flame that needs attending.
Our final recommendation is that you put yourself into the capable hands of knowledgeable people. The wine guys are not only wine experts; they are wily veterans of romantic relationships as well. There are years and years of experience here that should not be allowed to go to waste. Our guys have been there, done that, and can help you plan the perfect romantic evening. Come in soon and give them a try. We wish you and your loved one an immortal Valentine’s Day!
Photo credits: Jerry Hall | 2BSEEN.
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