Got your attention, didn’t we? For Valentine’s Day, check out this Michigan sparkling wine!
From the winemaker:
“A brut blend of Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Riesling and Muscat grapes, this wine has ripe red fruit aromas, soft fruit flavors and a smooth, rounded finish. The grapes are hand-picked and carefully whole-cluster pressed. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then blended with reserve wines and fermented a second time in a closed tank [the cuve close method]. The wine is then filtered, dosaged, and bottled.”
Can’t get enough Sex? Buy a case and enjoy Sex on a regular basis; 10% case discounts apply.
|
|
|
Love Traditions from Around the World
|
|
As Covid is still with us this year, travel for Valentine’s Day may be limited. We’ve gathered some international traditions and suggestions on how you may incorporate them in a uniquely local way.
Ireland
“Your goose is cooked” generally implies that one’s fate is sealed. This came from an Irish pre-wedding dinner custom. A sumptuous meal of goose was prepared to seal the deal on the marriage. Once the goose was cooked and presented, the groom was compelled to go through with the wedding.
You and your love may want to participate, Cincinnati style. It may not be a decadent goose, but you can pick up a ready prepared chicken at one of the local grocery stores, then stop in our shop for great wine pairing suggestions.
Spain
Although not a specifically Valentine’s Day tradition, it’s nice for “love hopefuls” to get a little insight into next year’s dating opportunities. At the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida in Madrid, single people throw 13 pins into the Holy Water and immerse their hands. The number of pins that stick to their palms predicts the number of potential suitors they will have in the given year.
Although a dating app may be less physically painful, if you do decide to indulge in this practice, we suggest perusing our shelves beforehand for a great Spanish wine to celebrate your popularity or drown your sorrows.
France
 The famous Père Lachaise Cemetery reportedly holds the remains of two star-crossed lovers, Abélard and Héloise. Abélard, a 12th century scholar and theologian, fell in love with his student Héloise, over two decades his junior. Forbidden love, a child, a secret marriage and eventually both joining the clergy round out the tale. The couple continued to write letters until Abélard’s death. Couples visit the tomb and leave profound love letters, sometimes soaked in tears. Since Paris may be difficult to travel to right now, visit Spring Grove Cemetery and send a heartfelt text to someone. You can drown your sorrows with Champagne after; we have hundreds from which to choose.Italy
 Speaking of letters, Juliet (of Romeo and Juliet fame) receives a myriad of letters at Verona’s Casa di Giulietta each year. Thousands come to place letters in the walls of the building, hoping to receive love advice. Additionally, over 50,000 people throughout the world mail letters to a volunteer group called the Juliet Club. Luckily for you, the post office is right down the street from Water Tower Fine Wines; pick up a hearty Italian wine before you swing by the Mt. Washington Post Office to mail your missive.
Wales
Dating back hundreds of years, Welsh love spoons were given by young men to their sweethearts as a symbol of their undying love and commitment. These spoons were often carved out of a single piece of wood and could be incredibly intricate, infused with many symbols that had specific meanings.
If your carving skills are lacking, consider buying a nice wooden spoon from Williams Sonoma, Target, or the Dollar Tree (depending on your budget) along with a magic marker for your doodles. Pick up your favorite wine from our store and present your gifts to your sweetheart. He or she may be a bit confused but hopefully appreciative at the same time.
We have wines representing over 20 countries so you can create your own unique celebrations this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
|
|
|
Send a Little Love to Others
|
|
| Valentine’s Day needn’t be just for sweethearts. Show the people in your life–family, friends, co-workers, employees–a little love on this day. A Water Tower Fine Wines gift certificate lets the recipient pick out the perfect wine; we are happy to assist. |
|
|
| Jan’s Perfect Valentine’s Day Pairings |
|
|
|
I am recommending two wonderful ways to cap off a Valentine’s Day celebration. These combinations also make thoughtful hostess gifts. Jan
|
|
Black Forest Cake and Fulton Grove Cherry Grove ($15.99)
Why This Works:
This is a perfect love match: the chocolate notes in the wine are reminiscent of a Black Forest Cake. The cherries as well as the depth of flavor in the cake balances the tannins in the wine.
Alternative:
Try this wine with any kind of dark chocolate covered berry (cherries, blueberries, cranberries, or pomegranates).
|
|
Dark Chocolate and Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui ($19.99)
Why This Works:
This is one of my favorite pairings! You want an intense dark chocolate as it pairs wonderfully with the red berry flavor in this sparkler.
Alternative:
A flourless chocolate cake is the perfect complement to this wine.
|
|
|
Homemade Soup Day is February 4
|
|
Soup and a complementary wine make for a sublime end to a hard day. Paired with Jan’s focaccia, dinner will be something to anticipate all day.
Below are Jan’s suggestions for great soup and wine pairings. No judgement if you pick up soup at a local restaurant or have it delivered. Stop in to see our selection of wines to complement your soup choices.
Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice + California Chardonnay
The creamy butter in the soup complements a buttery wine
Hearty Beef & Barley + Merlot or Cabernet
The beef is the perfect counterpart to the tannins in the wine
Black Bean with Ham + Shiraz
You need a robust wine to complement this hearty soup
Curry Pumpkin Soup + Riesling
Curry and spice will counterbalance the sweetness of the wine
|
|
 |
| BAGELS
Jan’s bagels are lovingly crafted and taste INCREDIBLE. They also freeze wonderfully, ensuring you can have some on hand between purchases. |
|
|
Ok, Euripides may have been a little harsh, but we think he had the right intentions. Let us help you pick out the perfect bottle for your love. We have thousands of different labels and are continuously adding more. Check out our entire inventory, below.
|
|
|
|
