Best Value Wine for a Romantic Dinner Date
This list by definition is an impossibility, since everyone has different tastes. Consider this a guide to how to make a choice that works best for you, rather than an absolute rule. Dom Perignon is great, but if your significant other is allergic to bubbles or prefers sweet wines, you're in trouble! White wines don't generally work for a romantic occasion, but if your date is allergic to reds - go for it! That said, you will usually want to avoid coma-inducing wines greater than 14.5% alcohol, or very youthful wines that may hold an excess of acid or tannin for casual drinking. Read the 'why' part of each of the below items to be sure your choice will be suitable not only for the occasion but for your date.
Why it's best:
I will never understand Champagne has largely been relegated to a celebratory beverage In the United States. Champagne is one of the very best food and cheese wines and has a funny way of providing an up-beat, smiley, happy and giggly kind of buzz. A romantic even... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
Pinot Noir at its best is often considered the greatest wine on earth. Romanee Conti (100% pinot noir) is the most expensive liquid on earth. This is because no other grape has such a natural development of alluring fruit, fresh acidity and depth of flavor.&...
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Why it's a best pick:
Merlot isn't nearly as tricky to grow as Pinot Noir and is very popular for its soft palate and easy to appreciate cherry and chocolate flavors. While value Merlots aren't often wines which provide "WOW!" factor, they make the perfect backdrop to a romantic n...
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Why it's a best pick:
Cabernet is king grape in California and one of the easiest grapes to grow around the world. This is going to have a lot more personality than any of the other wines on the list, which can sometimes get in the way of food or can sometimes be too heavy for drinking on i...
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Why it's a best pick:
Nothing lends itself better than a lingering bottle of sweet wine. After (or instead of!) dinner, these are generally great sipping wines and come with enough but never too much alcohol to loosen a mood. Late Harvest Riesling or Semillon are your best bets, but s...
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