Wine and food pairings for Valentine’s Evening

Regardless of marital status, all types of relationships lend themselves to the occasion, which is basically a pretext to get together after a little post-holiday hiatus. Whether you’re celebrating with the girls, as a couple or with family, one of the best ways to express your affection is to show off our cooking skills and take time to concoct a meal that will wrap your guests in your most sincere feelings. When the time comes to choose a menu, at the SAQ, we tend to do it the other way around and start with the wine, then decide on the dish. Here are some wine suggestions and their pairings to get you in the mood to cook.

Very Tempting

This mysterious red is made of 100% Syrah from Washington State, but is bottled right here in Quebec. It offers a nose of raspberries, cassis and dark chocolate that could not be more fitting. You can pair it with spare ribs or why not with a poutine with pulled-duck confit.

Poutine with pulled-duck confit

Preparation: 20 to 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 to 30 minutes
Servings: 4

California Classic

Raymond Vineyards is one of Napa Valley's iconic and pioneering estates. Despite its venerable age, the vineyard is quite modern and runs entirely on solar power. A true expression of the terroir, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée offers captivating aromas of black cherry, blackberry and spices. A perfect match for a flank steak or a rack of lamb.

Flank steak marinated in beer

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 to 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Italian Art of Romance

You just can’t go wrong by turning to Italy to concoct a romantic evening. This Sangiovese cuvée is both generous and supple, traditional and modern. Like you, maybe. Try it with your signature pasta dish, a la gigi or with mushroom gnocchi.

Gnocchi with mushroom and red wine sauce, garnished with Parmesan

Preparation: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

No Ordinary Cahors

This is not your typical Cahors; it boasts a more fruity and drinkable profile. Ideal with a beef tartare or why with a charcuterie platter garnished with flowers? Try your hand at a little creativity and enjoy a no-fuss evening. It’s organic on top of it, for lovers of the cause.

Beef tartare trio

Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking time: none
Servings: 10

Fiol & Flowers

Quite the popular Prosecco, Fiol offers floral and fruity notes, and can be served as an aperitif, in cocktails or even join you at the table. A sure hit with crab cakes, a shrimp cocktail or with a Valentine's Day classic: a cheese fondue.

Fondue with Quebec cheeses and white wine

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Happily Yours

This aromatic and fleshy red needs no introduction. With such an evocative name and a seductive profile of cassis, cedar and torrefaction, it has clearly captured the hearts of customers. Perfect with a rack of lamb or ribs.

Texas barbecue beef ribs with spiced rum sauce

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Freshness and Finesse

Leyda is the homonymous valley on the coast of Chile, famous for its Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines. The latter delivers here a wine full of freshness and finesse with notes of citrus and herbs. Try it alongside seafood brochettes.

Seafood brochettes

Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 6 minutes
Servings: 8 brochettes

Say it with Champagne

This champagne offers good value and a versatile style without being too heavy on the pastry notes, leaving room for citrus, apple and melon flavours. It can easily stretch from aperitif (think oysters or cheddar chouquettes) to the table with an unforgettable salmon tartare. Second date guaranteed.

Salmon tartare with pineapple and puffed rice

Preparation: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 10 to 15 minutes
Servings: 4

A Passion for Rioja

For Rioja lovers, this might be a classic but for others, this is a lovely encounter in perspective. Velvety, full-bodied and a bit woody, it will surely hit the spot with a fresh pairing like grilled flank steak roll-ups. Another great organic option.

Flank-steak roll-ups

Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

A Bubbly Date

If you’re going to celebrate the event, might as well go all in with a rosé sparkling wine. Produced using the traditional method, aka the Champagne method, it offers delicious notes of strawberry, currant, pepper and nougat. At less than $20 and organic, this bottle will charm just about everyone, especially served with lemon-shrimp pasta.

Fettuccine with shrimp and lemon

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6

Sweet & Salty

To end the evening in style, fans of the Baileys drink will be delighted by the relatively new salted caramel flavour. Both sweet and salty, as its name suggests, it still offers the same delicious smoothness and great versatility. On ice, in cocktails like the Toffee Passion, in a coffee and even on ice cream; find your way to indulge.

Toffee Passion

+ + Milk

In partnership with Bloody Temptation, Columbia Valley, Washington State; Univins et Spiritueux; agence Montalvin; Fabien Jouves – Mas del Périé; Charton Hobbs Québec; Le Bonheur Estate; Vina San Pedro Tarapaca; Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte; Montesa; Parés Baltà and Baileys. 

If you’re looking for more suggestions, take a look at Top Picks from our employees..