Valentine's Day: Lessons from History
It’s that time of year again when we shower our dearly beloved with gifts and affection. So, how should you celebrate? How can you set the bar higher and commemorate this feted day with a fresh perspective and vitality—transforming a Friday at home into something to look forward to, rather than the rushed trip to the local Esso for crinkle-cut discounted flowers, and the tail between your legs, that has blighted your previous romantic escapades?
Luckily for you, we’ve done the research at Sommelier’s Choice HQ and curated the perfect trio of wines, all marked by authenticity, a true love of produce, and a nod to the questionable origins of the day itself.
No gimmicks, just quality wine in the right environment with the one you love.
Ancient Rome and Valentines in Italy
How many times a day do you think about the Roman Empire?
The TikTok trend from late 2023 asked unsuspecting anoraks and normies alike how much impact this ancient civilization has on their daily lives.
The results were overwhelming, and much like the social divide between those asking the question, the origins of the martyred St. Valentine are pretty eye-opening. From February 13th to 15th in the third century, Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia by sacrificing a goat and a dog, then whipping each other with the hides, believing it would boost fertility. A year later, Emperor Claudius II executed two men—both coincidentally named Valentine—on February 14th for illegally marrying soldiers in battle, a practice frowned upon by the Emperor and his court. The church later honored them with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. Later still, Pope Gelasius I decided to combine the two and create even more chaos.
Barbaric and downright beastly, even by the standards of the time, this is something we do not condone or advocate in the 21st century here at HQ.
However, on the theme of Italian reds pairing excellently with aged steaks, our Corteforte Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore is a treat. Rich and velvety, with aromas of plum, dark cherry, and tobacco, the Ripasso method adds depth, while smooth tannins provide a lingering finish. Delicious—no animal hides required—and part of our Connoisseur’s Collections.
Corteforte Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 2018
The Connoisseur’s Fillet, Rump & Sirloin Pairing Three Bottle Collection
The Connoisseur's Steak Pairing Twelve Bottle Collection
Pre-Revolutionary France
France is often considered the home of romance and is oft associated with the origin of the first “carte d'amitié,” allegedly sent by the 15th-century Duke of Orléans, who, imprisoned in the Tower of London, supposedly sent poems and love letters to his wife in France.
This, as it turns out, is a complete falsehood. It was, in fact, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer who, in advocating for courtly cross-Channel love, encouraged prospective lovers to express their mutual affection through poetry.
The British Library, which holds the original piece, has recently contested the Duke’s origin story, which has been circulating on social media. First, it’s believed that the letter was written not during imprisonment, but when the Duke returned to France between 1443 and 1460—possibly to excuse himself from the Valentine’s court lottery, associated with the Roman Lupercalia tradition. Secondly, the letter, which begins, “Je suis desja d'amour tanné / Ma tresdoulce Valentinee” (“I’m already wearied by love, my very sweet Valentine”), shows that the Duke, rather than conforming to contemporary norms and dedicating himself to the service of a married woman, excuses himself from the custom, confessing in prose that he is simply too old and tired. Decidedly unromantic and decidedly un-French.
One thing that isn’t old and tired, but is French, and decidedly more honest than the old Duke, is our Rosé des Acanthes 2022, IGP Pays D’Oc, crafted from a blend of traditional grapes known for producing elegant and balanced rosés—perfect with a Niçoise salad or a prosciutto-wrapped melon amuse-bouche.
Valentine’s Day in the 20th Century
Fast forward to the modern day, and we recommend a pairing of the senses to make a Valentine’s Day worth remembering. And we’ve got the perfect sparkling wine to set the mood.
We are always reminded on Valentine’s Day of Barry White’s seminal third album, "Can’t Get Enough", released on August 6, 1974. Barry’s smooth baritone is now synonymous with romance and sensuality—perfectly paired with our signature Champagne Rouland Boulard & Filles "Le Griffon" 2014.
On the palate, the wine is precise and structured, with vibrant acidity balanced by rich flavors of orange, apricot, and dried fruits. The creamy texture from its time on lees is complemented by subtle vanilla and toasted notes. The finish is long and elegant, with a refreshing citrus lift and lingering hints of spice and minerality. Flip tradition on its head and finish the evening with soft cheese and sensual grooves.
Champagne Rouland Boulard & Filles "Le Griffon" 2014
Or find it in one of our Signature collections:
Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as a day of unfettered commercialism, but with a little thought and attention, it can be the perfect way to clear away the post-January blues. Cheers!
And now, over to Barry…
