A popular picture that describes romance is that of a candlelit dinner. Along with the candle, wine is a crucial prop here, often used for setting the right mood. Why are wines known aphrodisiacs? Is there a formula to choose the right wines for romantic outings?
Stop wondering and start reading all about the connection between wine and romance below.
The right wine can sometimes make or break your date. We explain the exceptional bond between wine and romance below before walking you through the best five romantic wines for all kinds of dates.
What’s With Wine & Romance?
Uncorking an elegant bottle of wine on your date is a classy and romantic gesture that never fails to impress. Still, what does wine have to do with love? Why do people call wine the incarnation of love? Which is the most romantic wine in the world?
For starters, wine is similar to love. From mystery to thrill, the experience of wine is equally exciting as the buzz of love. Ancient Greek playwright Euripides wrote ‘when there is no wine, there is no love’.
On top of it, scientists also agree that there is a unique connection between love and wine.
Dr. Max Lake is an Australian winemaker who discovered that the scent of wine replicates human pheromones. Amines in red wines mainly add to the romance. Given red wine contains amines like histamine, spermidine, tyramine, serotonin and putrescine, it drives feelings of stimulation and alertness too.
Additionally, mixing red wine with chocolate adds to the romance by rewiring your brain. The neurotransmitter theobromine in chocolate when paired with antioxidants in red wine stimulates your senses while relaxing you. Simply put, certain wines are the best catalysts for romance.
Below is a quick list of arousing aromas of wines to remember when choosing the spirit for your date night.
- Women like musky, woody, earthy, cherry, or licorice aromas.
- Men like lavender, baking spice, butter, caramel, vanilla, licorice, and orange scents.
5 Best Romantic Wines For Different Date Nights
Whether you’re looking for a wine gift for a special date or your first date, we’ve got you covered. Our list below will uncover wines that are universally lauded for their high romantic quotient. Pick one that matches the personality and preferences of your companion.
Summer Water Rosé
Price: $19.99 for 750 ml
Streaks of mild-earthiness and strong-fruitiness describe the Summer Water Rosé. It’s the perfect flavor to deepen the romantic vibe on your special date. Being an eco-friendly wine in a dainty tone, this is a crowd-favorite for Valentine’s day too. The dry wine is underscored by sweet aromas and exciting notes of strawberry, peach and grapefruit. It’s the light body and moderate alcohol levels that make this wine approachable and perfect for a long date night.
This wine is available from Winc Wine Club.
Matt Parish Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Price: $39.99 for 750 mL
A bold red wine best for your date who adores reds, Cabernet Sauvignon from Matt Parish is so multifaceted that it quickly impresses the drinker. The rich vein of tannins in the regal wine match with tastes of blackberries and plums. Dry notes of toasty mocha and spicy chai makes this wine excellent for pairing with game meats or hard cheese.
You can get the date night pack (six wine bottles) at $82 including the Matt Parish Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 from Naked Wines.
Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014
Price: $42.99 for 750 mL
Known for its sensuous accents, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Flowers is a garnet-colored red wine known for conquering the heart. Get ready for a romantically charged date upon uncorking this beauty, thanks to the lavender, cherry and blueberry aromas in it. If you want to taste vintage-red, go for the 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that retains the warmth from the growing season of 2014.
This ranks among the best wine gift options for anniversary dates.
2017 Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
Price: $50 for 375 mL
Is your date adventurous? Does he or she like sweets and desserts? Then, go bold with your wine choice with the dessert wine. Icewine is famous for adding oomph to special date nights with its honey-nectar taste. This Inniskillin wine is made from Vidal varietal picked in the thick of Canadian winters. Aromas of tangerine precede the dried mango and sweet apricot flavors in this brew.
If the wine doesn’t make a splash, the sleek looking bottle will add the bling you need.
Moet & Chandon Brut Rose Imperial Valentine Champagne
Price: $57.99 for 750 mL
Bringing the romance of France with it, this Moet & Chandon Champagne is consistently praised for its value and high quality. It is often served at elite weddings and even used after successful proposals. The best date night sparkling wine brings Pinot Noir (40-50%), Pinot Meunier (30-40%) and Chardonnay (10-20%) into harmony.
Your date will be thrilled to see the packaging and freebies that come with it. Two champagne glasses and a gold pen to inscribe your romantic message come included.
Conclusion
The recipe for the best romantic date demands wine in moderation. When you add wine to romance, it speeds up the game.
Once you know the palate preferences of your date, pick a romantic wine from the above list and surprise them for extra points and a special occasion worth remembering.