Rupu: finding the perfect bottle of wine for Valentine’s

When it comes to romance few things beat a lovely meal, shared over the perfect bottle of wine. The right bottle not only complements your menu but also helps set the tone for the occasion. If you’re stuck on what to get, here’s a quick and simple guide, by Rupu, to make sure you hit all the right notes come the 14th.

Rupu will be giving discounts on different bottles of wine during the valentine’s period, with the deals only valid for people aged 18 years and above.

Red Wine:

Grilled lamb and beef slow cooked meat stews and deep herby dishes pair easily with full-bodied red wines such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Your spicy beef pilau or tender mutton biriyani is best served with a robust shiraz or pinotage.  Heavy red wines help amplify the rich flavours of these dishes.

White wine:

Chicken, fish, pork or pasta dishes go well with the crisp chilled quality of chenin blanc, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc wines. Vegetarian dishes are also complemented by the citrusy, fresh characteristics of these wines.

Dessert Wine:

Here, your sweet and sparkling wines come into play. A late harvest offers the best relief after a spicy meal. A dark chocolate based dessert pairs excellently with a mild sweet red wine.  To add a festive element to the occasion, pair chocolate covered strawberries with a flute of bubbly sparkling wine, champagne or prosecco.

Wines that are served chilled need to be put in the fridge for at least an hour before serving and finally, opening your bottle of red wine for 20 minutes and allowing it to ‘breathe’ encourages the full flavour of the wine to develop.

Look for simplistic covers and bottles with deep bottoms when choosing your wine. Top wineries don’t need to get your attention with flashy designs; they do that with their great taste.

There’s a special magic that is woven when we share the things we love with the people we love. Share your love of wine and rediscover each other this Valentine’s.