Wines to impress your date
Cristina Mariani_May of Banfi Vintners talks about four wines ideal for a date night in, to pair with the perfect meal, or to enjoy with a decadent dessert.
Whether is it’s a Valentine's Day date night or romantic dinner at home, picking the right wine is a very easy way to set the mood.
And since Italians are known for speaking the “language of love,” who better to ask about all this than Cristina Mariani-May, the family proprietor of the internationally renowned Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, and co-CEO of Banfi Vintners, a leading U.S. importer of fine wines.
Growing up in the wine business, Mariani-May has learned that making great wine takes time and tolerance, much like a good relationship. So we asked her what the perfect date night should look like.
Mariani-May suggested starting off with a Prosecco. Anything bubbly is the perfect way to ease into the night.
For your meal, consider a Brunello. Making a fine Brunello takes patience and nurturing, much like those of you in long-term relationships, she said.
She brought their Castello di Banfi Brunello di Montalcino made of 100% Sangiovese grapes. The Banfi family, under Mariani-May’s guidance, has conducted ground-breaking research aimed at defining and isolating the finest clones of the Sangiovese Grosso grape.
Today, Banfi has definitive results for six clones and research continues on the remaining nine. Of Italy’s 45 nationally approved clones for Sangiovese, six are from Castello Banfi.
Now if you’re serving your sweetie spicy food, which isn’t a bad idea since spicy food is considered an aphrodisiac, then maybe a Riesling is a better choice. Mariani-May brought one of their imports, the Pacific Rim which is perfect balance between sweet and dry.
And the grand finale and my personal favorite, the Rose Regale, made from 100% Brachetto grapes goes just beautifully with chocolate and whatever else you need to finish off your night.
Here’s to wine and romance.
Cent’ Anni.
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