Which wines to drink on Valentine's Day?

Roman origins and courtly love

According to some sources, Saint Valentine's Day was instituted by the Church to counter the pagan fertility festival Lupercalia. This festival was dedicated to Lupercus, god of flocks and shepherds, and Juno, protector of women and Roman marriage. What bothered the Church Fathers, apart from the belief in the Greek gods, were the organized ceremonies, culminating in a race of half-naked men who hit the women in their path with strips of goatskin, the blows ensuring fertility and a happy pregnancy.

According to other sources, its origins date back to the Middle Ages among the English aristocracy, who associated the date of mid-February with the mating of birds and the signs of nature's rebirth, and later with courtly love.

Champagne, Saint Amour and cuvées with evocative names

Champagne remains the wine associated with love, and is therefore a popular choice for Valentine's Day dinners. Every year, the major champagne brands release boxes or cuvées dedicated to this special occasion, often at rather high prices, as these are prestige cuvées. If you don't want to strain your wallet, or are simply looking for a touch of originality, you can also opt for wines with evocative names, whether appellation or cuvée.

In the first category, we immediately think of a Beaujolais cru, Saint Amour, whose sales increase around February 14th. However, this cru owes its name not to love, but to a Roman legionary named d'Armor, who took refuge in Gaul and left his name to the village of Saint Amour.

In the second category, you'll find vintages like Château Lamourette in Sauternes or La Passion, a Château de Rouffiac in Cahors.

Happy Valentine's Day to all lovers!