If you are part of the 65% of Americans who choose to dine at home on Valentine’s Day, Master Sommelier Richard Betts has hand-picked three wines that can stand on their own or complement a variety of foods. Whether you are looking to save or splurge on the vino, these romantic reds will make being at home with your honey worth every penny.
Richard Betts is author of The New York Times bestseller, The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert: Take a Whiff of That and he follows his nose when it comes to picking the perfect wines for each occasion. Below are a few of Richard’s wine recommendations for a night in with your Valentine.
My Essential Rosé 2013 ($14.99) – From the South of France, this blend of predominantly Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah is dry and refreshing. My Essential Rosé can be enjoyed with aperitifs such as oysters or strawberries to start the evening off right.
Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend ($14.99) – Josh Legacy is an easy-to-drink red blend that pairs well with a variety of foods, but can also be enjoyed this Valentine’s day with a nice cheese platter. Winemaker Joseph Carr created this wine in honor of his father – making it a meaningful choice to enjoy with the one you love.
2012 Girard Artistry ($44.99) – The nose on this bold blend showcases vanilla bean, perfumed herbs and blackberries. On the palate the black fruit comes forward, while mocha is accented by spice and toasted oak sweetness. Featuring well developed tannins, this wine can be enjoyed with your favorite cut of meat for Valentine’s Day dinner.
More About Richard Betts:
After a long academic journey that included a BS, an MS and nearly a JD, Richard finally found his way to his real love: Vino. While traveling in Italy, he fell in love with the country’s dining tradition and came to regard wine “as a grocery and not a luxury.” He was the wine director at The Little Nell in Aspen from 2000 to 2008. In the spring of 2003, Richard passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Masters Exam on the first attempt, the ninth person ever to do so. He co-founded his first wine label Betts & Scholl in 2003 and also co-founded Scarpetta Wines and “cc:” Wines. Richard is also the author of “The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert,” a kids’ book for adults. One of fewer than 200 Master Sommeliers in the world, Richard Betts has been featured in the New York Times, Wine Spectator, Food & Wine, Outside, GQ and Details and speaks frequently on wine throughout the country. Visit http://myessentialwine.com.
