Must Have Wines for Valentines
February 4, 2024

As love fills the air and hearts beat a little faster, Valentine's Day is just around the corner—a time for romantic gestures, sweet sentiments, and moments shared with the one you hold dear. But amid the season of love, let's not overlook the perfect accompaniment to your romantic celebration: the ideal wine! Whether you're a connoisseur seeking a refined taste or simply searching for something delightful that both of you will like, finding the right bottle can be a delightful challenge.

But fear not; we're here to guide you through this romantic journey! In this special edition, our sommeliers will present the ultimate wine recommendations, carefully chosen to complement your intimate celebration and elevate your Valentine's Day to a whole new level. Whether you’re planning something with your long-term significant other or someone new you’re just getting to know, we have just the wine for you!

Cheers to the season of delightful company and even more enchanting wine!



For the Couple of Foodies

Masi Bonacosta Vegan Valpolicella Classico

Made in the historical Valpolicella region with Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grape varieties, this Red Blend promises to bring freshness to a medium intensity that will compliment your dinner perfectly. Soft and silky tannins on the palate follow an intense bouquet of ripe cherry aromas. Its versatility allows it to be paired with many meals, although it is excellent with red sauce pasta and mushroom risotto.

Masi Campofiorin Vegan Veneto Appassimento

This is the original Super Venetian crafted by Masi in 1964, globally acknowledged for its remarkable robustness and complex character. It is the archetype for a novel class of wines originating from the Veneto region, drawing inspiration from the Amarone production technique. This wine boasts a full-bodied, velvety, and smooth profile, making it accessible and adaptable to various food pairings, including grilled red meats or sharp cheeses.



For the Adventurous Couple

Medici Ermete Selva Masacci Lambrusco di Sorbara

Lambrusco, a subregion of Emilia-Romagna in northeastern Italy, produces sparkling red wines from four grape varieties. Among them, Sorbara stands out for its concentrated flavours and delicate nature and is renowned for its signature floral violet nose. The adventurous couple will realize that this gem can only be found exclusively at Angry Otter Liquor.

Medici Ermete Selva Masacci Lambrusco di Sorbara epitomizes these qualities with its bright pink hue and frothy bubbles. The perfumed aroma bursts with violet, red cherries, mandarin, and watermelon notes. This versatile wine, perfect for a refreshing aperitif, pairs well with Italian charcuterie, creamy pasta with shrimp, and sushi, but can also be an ideal pairing for dinner as it is intense enough to stand up to barbequed meats like burgers or fried chicken.



For Those Still Looking for their Man

Sure, you might be without a significant other this Valentine's Day, but why does that mean you can’t celebrate without a guy?

Josh Legacy California Red

Named in honour of its founder and his father, Josh Cellars carefully selects fruit from premium sites across California. This blended wine emanates enticing aromas of coffee, herbs, prune preserve, and dark spices. On the palate, it boasts bold juiciness, supported by supple tannins, and introduces additional layers of flavour, including toasted almonds and hazelnuts, culminating in a satisfyingly prolonged finish. As it pairs well with barbequed ribs, lamb, or steak, one does not even need a dinner companion when enjoying it with Josh!

Josh California Rosé

Crisp, light-bodied, refreshing, and bursting with bright citrus, their Rosé is a warm summer sunset in a bottle. On the nose, expect fresh strawberries, white flowers, and stone fruits, but taste citrus, white peach, and strawberries. It pairs well with grilled shrimp and ceviche, perfect for a Valentine's dinner with friends!

Plus, when you purchase a bottle of Josh, for a limited time, you have the opportunity to enter to win a trip to Tofino Resort and Marina! Spending Valentines Day with Josh doesn’t sound so sad now, does it? Learn more here.



For the Budget Friendly Couple

Vivo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine presents an aromatic bouquet featuring cherry, plum, spice, violet, and vanilla extract. The medium-bodied nature and dry finish enhance its smooth character, unveiling fruit-forward flavours of ripe blueberry, black cherry, plum, and currant. Ripe blackberry, currant, sweet spice, and a subtle touch of oak persist on the dry finish, contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying wine experience.

Vivo Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

From Argentina, this light and crisp white is refreshing with its bold aroma of tropical fruit aromatics with a hint of grassiness traditionally found in quality Sauvignon Blanc. With a distinct finish, this wine pairs well with gamey cheeses and bold seafood.

The best part about this budget friendly option? When you purchase a bottle for a limited time, you have the opportunity to enter to win an electric bike! Find out more details here.



For The Newly Dating

Diabolica Rosé

For those who Cupid has just struck, Diabolica is the classic choice. The Rosé will surely be a crowd favourite, as it’s the perfect easy-drinking wine. It is gushing with big, luscious fruit flavours of wild strawberry and watermelon. Midway, it unravels with pomegranate, jasmine, and a hint of dark cherry. It pairs well with lighter dishes, grilled vegetables, antipasto, and seafood.

Diabolica White

This Ontario wine perfectly pairs Chardonnay with Muscat Blanc and Pinot Gris to create a lively, aromatic wine like the fresh couple just getting to know each other. On the nose, citrus fruit is balanced with fig, smoke, and pine nuts. Extra dry, this medium body and moderately balanced acidity create a wine that is both good to enjoy on its own and the perfect pairing for seafood, mild cheese, or light pasta dishes.



For the Couple that Forgot about Valentine's Day

Bread & Butter Merlot

This wine is a beautifully balanced and approachable Merlot, so you don’t have to overthink it! With expressive notes of rich plum, dark cherry and sweet baking spice, this soft and easy-drinking chocolate and sweet vanilla notes delight on the finish; you don’t need to overcomplicate it. This wine pairs well with roasted and cured meats, flavorful cheeses, and hearty vegetables for an easy last-minute Valentine's dinner.



For The Serious Couple Trying to Impress

Cedar Creek Estate Sauvignon Blanc

This Sauvignon Blanc contains notes of lime and lemongrass with subtle green herbs and an electric acidity. Bone-dry, it will pair well with various seafood or savoury dishes, making it versatile for your Valentine's dinner.

Cedar Creek Meritage

A Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet France grapes creates a balanced combination of blackcurrant and berry with subtle oak flavours. Not only will it age well, but it can also be enjoyed immediately alongside grilled meats and sharp cheeses.

If really trying to impress your significant other, be sure to enter to win a Co-op gift card after purchasing a bottle of Cedar Creek (available for a limited time). It will step up your present to a whole new level. Learn more here.



For the Couple Just Getting to Know Each Other

Copper Ridge Chardonnay

This Chardonnay highlights the richness of ripe tree fruit, featuring distinct notes of pineapple and mango. Complemented by hints of toasted oak and brown spice, the wine offers a creamy, lingering finish with well-balanced acidity. Achieving a round and creamy mouthfeel through Malolactic fermentation, this Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with light salads and grilled chicken.


Make sure to let us know what wine you end up sipping on this Valentine's on Facebook or Instagram!


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