The best wines for lovers
Want to woo a new partner or enjoy time with a long-term one this Valentine's Day? These are our expert’s pick of the best wines for romance.
Want to woo a new partner or enjoy time with a long-term one this Valentine's Day? These are our expert’s pick of the best wines for romance.
Can a wine really help with romance? Just think of the words people use when tasting – “seductive”, “silky”, “voluptuous” – and I think we have the answer!
A good grape to turn to for a romantic night in is Pinot Noir, and I think Lenné Pinot Noir 2023 (RRP £14.99) fits the bill perfectly. It’s supple, juicy and fruity, and works with everything from grilled tuna to spicy Chinese crispy chilli beef. A bottle for two will surely bring cupid to the dinner table, too!
For a romantic white, you can’t go wrong with a Viognier, such as Le Terrain de Jeu des Artistes Viognier 2023 from France (RRP £12.99). There's a silkiness and a rich texture to the grape, with ginger spice, and peach and apricot fruit. It might be bone-dry, but it’s also sun-kissed – a lovely blend of the familiar and the exotic.
Some winemakers aren’t shy about linking wine and romance. Love by Léoube Organic Côtes de Provence 2023 (RRP £19.99) is one example. This multi-award-winning wine is floral, with intense wild fruits and a fabulous watermelon colour. If you can’t visit St Tropez, you can at least bring the region to you at home.
Meanwhile, for something a bit more wallet-friendly, try De Martino Estate Rosé 2024 (RRP £13.99), a juicy, berry-scented rose from Chile that’s delicious with poached salmon and colourful salads.
But for some, romantic wine has to be sparkling – the tingle on the lips – and even better if it’s pink. For such a wine, Domaine Baumard Cremant de Loire Carte Corail Rose NV (RRP £17.99) is hard to beat. It’s light, with fresh red berry aromas, and a hint of peach on the palate.
Or, for the ultimate romantic night in when you really want to woo your partner, try Champagne Laurent-Perrier Harmony Demi Sec NV (RRP £52.99). A hedonistic, off-dry (slightly sweet) style of champagne from one of the region’s most admired producers, it offers aromas of nuts, dried fruit and honey, with a beautiful freshness. One to linger over long into the evening.
[Hero image credit: Getty Images]
High quality wines conveniently delivered direct to your door and covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Join our wine club today and save £85 on your first case
Find out about Saga's gastronomy holidays here...
They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and Saga’s thoughtfully crafted food and wine holidays are perfect if you like trying new flavours and exploring traditional methods of cooking.
Great wines don’t have to come in a bottle. We've got the best boxed wines for parties or enjoying at home.
The wine waiter's choice of budget-friendly bottles to drink at home.
Wine-producing families go back centuries in Hungary and deserve to have a bigger fan base, argues our expert.
