Hey guys (and gals, I know you’re reading this too) it’s {nearly} valentine’s day.

Whoever is in charge for the planning, here is some advice! Whoever isn’t in charge of planning, pass these helpful hints on to your significant other 😉

 

this isn’t a post about flowers…or how you should be acting.

You should already know that! I’m here to help you on your quest for the perfect wine pairing– be it with chocolates or dinner. And, I’ll even make it easy. With lots of pictures. Because that’s what I would want.

Now, i know you’ve waited until the last minute. but, lucky for you

Most places in America are perfectly willing to cater to you, the procrastinator! And, luckier yet, a lot of those places carry our wine! So, let’s get started:

food and {our} wine pairings:

dry whites

La Crescent: our driest white wine (1.5% residual sugar). Citrus, honey, and orange blossom. SIMPLY: it’s citrusy, tart, and dry! Best served chilled. Try it with either of these recipes (click the photos for the recipes):

Fish Tacos

 

 

 

 

 

Eggplant Parmesan

 

 

 

 

 

St. Pepin: Our second driest wine (2.25% residual sugar). Crisp and refreshing, very fruit forward– grapefruit flavors, jasmine aromas. SIMPLY: Citrusy, an “easy” dry wine to drink. Try it with this recipe (click on the photo for the recipe):

One-Pot Thai Curry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dry red wines

Maréchal Foch: I often say this wine is a bit like a Merlot, super fruity and light with flavors of strawberry, apple, & plum. It is dry, but pretty palatable as far as a dry wine goes. SIMPLY: this is a great fruity, yet dry wine. Pair with this recipe (click on the photo for the recipe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marquette: This is the quintessential dry red wine of Iowa. Earthy aromas with bold dried fruit flavors and just a touch of nutmeg. SIMPLY: For the dry red wine drinker, this is your wine. Pair with this recipe (click the photo for the recipe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frontenac: For the oak lover, this is your wine. Full of red berry, vanilla, and toasted oak flavors! SIMPLY: light, yet oaky. Pair with this recipe (click on the photo for the recipe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geneva Red: This is our most flavorful dry red wine, ranging from pepper and black cherry to spice. SIMPLY: super flavorful, but it can pair with simple meals. Pair with this recipe (click on photo to see recipe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

semi-sweet wines

Frontenac Gris Rosé: A perfect “middle-ground”– not too sweet, not to dry. Noteable apricot flavor up front, peach aromas. SIMPLY: Another easy drinker, fruity and delicious! Chocolate pairings:

Milk Chocolate

 

 

 

 

 

Fruit-filled Truffles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Croix: A red wine that we prefer chilled– another great “middle-ground” wine. You will find red berry, cherry, and vanilla flavors in this wine, and it’s so versatile! Pair this with so many foods:

Your (or your significant other’s) favorite meat/protein AND  this new spin on sweet potato fries

 

 

 

 

 

 

sweet wines

Brianna: A unique sweet wine with flavors of tropical fruit and honey. SIMPLY: If you like pineapples, you will love the tropical fruit vibe from this wine. Try with this dessert (click on the photo for the recipe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marquette Rosé: Sweet and fruity– hints of cranberry and strawberry aromas. SIMPLY: a little bit naturally tart, but mostly sweet, a fabulous dessert wine! Try with this dessert recipe (click on the photo for the recipe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paragon Pink: Our sweetest wine! Flavors of grape jelly and strawberry jam. SIMPLY: It’s pink. It’s sweet. This is a sure fire win for dessert, at the very least. Try this as a dessert all on it’s own, or with white chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

so there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. valentine’s day made simple.

All you have to do is pick one and go for it! Happy Sweetheart’s Day <3

with midbest love,

Meg