A soldier in Iraq is looking forward to coming home soon and to being with his fiancee. He asks, “What is the best wine for a romantic evening?” He thinks his fiancee is partial to Zinfandel, but isn’t sure.
“I really just want a nice, romantic evening, just the two of us. After a good dinner and perhaps a little time in a hot tub, I’m looking forward to us simply sitting by the fireplace, sipping wine, and hopefully getting busy, if you know what I mean.”
Yes, we’re pretty sure we know what you mean! But we’ll leave that part aside, and answer your question about the best wine for the occasion.
If you love is indeed enamored of Zinfandel (the real, red kind), then the answer is easy: buy a zin, of course (”zin” is the hip people’s way to refer to this popular varietal). One additional suggestion, though. Look for a Zinfandel that is labeled as “old vine.” Old vine zinfandel is generally considered to be a cut above regular zin in the taste department. You will pay a bit more for it, usually, but it is worth it.
Another excellent choice would be just about any red wine from Argentina or Chile. Try either a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec.
Or you could go in a different direction altogether and buy some champagne. Good ol’ bubbly is associated with fun, frivolity, gaiety, and, yes, romance. Brands? Pommery, Mumm, Veuve Clicqot, Hennessy, Taittinger — the possibilities are wide open. Or, for such a special occasion, you could go all out and get a bottle of Dom Perignon or La Grande Dame champagne. Be forewarned, these last two will set you back around $140 to $150. But what an adventure! Tickling her nose, and yours, with a great champagne can be the perfect prelude to getting busy, if you know what we mean.
