Whether you're solo, bubbled or loved up... or co-habiting and kind of still talking, this Valentine's Day could use some wine alongside the food.
Picking the right wine is hard when you don't feel like one of those proper adults who know what wines you're supposed to have with what.
And so, unless you've made a note watching Saturday Kitchen earlier that day, you're often left in the wine aisle awkwardly trying to figure out what is the best deal to be honest.
Should you still be in the position where you want to impress someone, things can be even harder.
So we asked Richard Bampfield, Master of Wine for Lidl, for his exclusive insight on how to choose top quality wines.
Think about what’s on the menu
Whoever you’re spending 14th February with, it’s an opportunity to treat yourselves so make sure your wine perfectly complements what you’re serving. For example, if you’re rustling up a steak Rioja is ideal, while Sauvignon Blanc is perfect with salmon.
And not forgetting the fizz, why not celebrate with an extra special Prosecco or maybe even a bottle of Champagne?
Why not try:
· Winemakers Series Awatere Sauvignon Blanc, Lidl, £6.99
· Cepa Lebrel Rioja Reserva, Lidl, £5.49
· Prosecco Spumante Conegliano, £7.49
· Champagne Comte de Senneval Brut, £12.99
Look beyond the price
Research from Lidl found that consumers think they have to pay an average of £17.69 for a bottle of wine they think is good quality, which is probably more than necessary!
That price point might increase your chances of finding a high quality wine but there is no shortage of excellent wines at lower prices than that - both from famous wine regions and those that are up and coming.
Why not try:
● Mosel Riesling, Lidl, £4.99
● Baturrica Tarragona Gran Reserva, Lidl, £4.99
It’s what inside that counts
As well as price, make sure you aren’t swayed by the fanciest looking bottle or label.
My tip for spotting top quality wines is the 100 point system. It’s the one used by many critics and wine competitions around the world. I know it’s a system that supermarkets like Lidl adopt on every bottle in store.
Why not try:
● Winemaker's Selection Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Lidl, £6.99 - rated 90/100
● Chianti Riserva, Lidl, £5.99 - rated 92/100
Explore somewhere a little different
Classic wines such as Burgundy and Bordeaux will always be popular– it’s what customers instantly think of when they think about quality wine. The good news is that there are some real gems out there at surprisingly good value, but quality wine can be produced from hundreds of different grape varieties and in almost any country in the world so it’s also worth exploring!
Why not try:
● Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Lidl, £10.99 - if you really do enjoy treating yourself to a Bordeaux
● Primitivo Peuceta, Lidl, £TBC - richly flavoured red with a dash of Italian style
Take note of what you like (and don’t like…)
When you choose a certain type of wine, take time to think about why you like it, what qualities it has, and make a note so you know what to look out for next time.
The best way to learn about wine is to compare two wines side by side: perhaps two reds made from the same grape variety (or similar) from different countries.
For whites, try two dry whites one of which has been aged in oak and one without, or two rosés, one dry and one slightly sweeter – see what you’ve got in your cupboards at home!
Why not try:
● Winemakers Selection Barossa Shiraz, Lidl, £5.99
● Côtes du Rhône, Lidl, £4.49
● Winemakers Selection Coonawarra Chardonnay, Lidl, £5.79
● Pecorino, Lidl, £6.49
Independent Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2022
1 of 26Portrait 'Hello Handsome' Card
Compliment the gentleman in your life with this handsome Valentine's Day card, which comes paired with a matching envelope featuring a vintage-inspired golden address label.
2 of 26Old Fashioned - Three Sheets
A low-key Valentine's gift that pairs perfectly with a homemade dinner and a romantic night in.
3 of 26Blue Nudes Patterned Paper
Is this not the prettiest wrapping paper you've laid your eyes on? Printed in the U.K., using the finest quality paper, this gift wrap is almost too gorgeous to the torn open.
4 of 26Smoke & Musk Duo Gift Set
This soy wax candle and home mist might be made in London, but they're inspired by California and the great outdoors. Smoke & Musk is a sweet blend of green balsam fir, wood smoke, and musky patchouli. Heaven-scent.
5 of 26A4 French Love Print
Everything is 10 x more romantic in French, including this chic poster, which is handmade and printed on 220gsm fine art paper, using high quality archival inks to prevent fading over time.
6 of 26Daisy Edge Side Plate
There's no time like the present to give the gift of hand-crafted homewares - especially when they're this pretty.
7 of 26Ginger in love jolly gingerbread
Away from your long-distance lover for the big V day? Send them this cheeky little fella in the post to remind them you care. He's almost too cute to eat... ALMOST.
8 of 26Small Mixed Dried Flower Bouquet with Vase
For a gift that will last, opt for dried flowers instead of a fresh bouquet. This colourful bunch of blooms are enough to brighten anyone's day - plus, they come with a complimentary vase. Win, win!
9 of 26Il Colle Prosecco DOCG Superiore Conegliano NV
You can't go wrong with a bottle of Prosecco, especially when it's brought to your partner with breakfast in bed.
10 of 26Love Potion Gin Maker's Kit
If Gin wasn't already fabulous enough, it's in fact one of the world's original aphrodisiacs. Concoct your own love potion in less than 24 hours with magical colour-changing botanicals.
11 of 26Pink Clay & Rosehip (Gentle, Exfoliating, Detoxifying) *Vegan
For your pampered partner's gift, look no further than By Frankie for gentle, cleansing soaps, the ultimate indulgent bath time treat.
12 of 26'Neon Insta Love' A4 Print
Create your own Insta ambience at home with this bright print.
13 of 26Ava Eye Mask
Give the gift of a good night's sleep with this blissfully soft cotton velvet eye mask with a natural cotton reverse. Perfect for ensuring a dreamy uninterrupted nights sleep.
14 of 26Nude Body Candles
How gorgeous are these nude candles? They're all over the 'gram at the moment, and for good reason. Gift these coveted beauties to the avid instagrammer in your life.
15 of 26Rye Crumb, Milk and Sea Salt Chocolate Bar
It's impossible to go wrong with a thick slab of chocolate. Why not gift your sweet-toothed crush this artisan choc from Suffolk based bakery, Pump Street.
16 of 26Peanuts Love Mug
We're obsessed with this adorable snoopy mug - and the apple of your eye will be too. With red lettering on one side and Snoopy on the other, what's not to love?
17 of 26Cupid t-shirt
A quirky and stylish tribute to the ultimate symbol of love this Valentine's Day.
18 of 26Zomi Tumblers
How gorgeous are these handblown tumblers made from the recycled glass from construction sites and beverage companies?
19 of 26Bath bomb selection
Full of the perfect ingredients to treat your partner to a relaxing bath.
20 of 26Personalised chopping board
This personalised heart-shaped chopping board will make a great kitchen keepsake after Valentine's Day.
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21 of 26Organic Beeswax Dinner Candles
Can be used to romanticise your Valentine's Day dinner, as well as making a sweet gift.
22 of 26Tall milk jug with hearts
Hearts are the ultimate Valentine's Day symbol. Bonus points if you gift it with a bouquet of flowers since this jug can also be used as a vase.
23 of 26Date Night Cards
Start the year as you mean to go on with this box of date night ideas to keep the romance alive.
24 of 26Personalised gift box
Show your partner how well you know them with this gorgeous gift box that can be tailored to your love's likes and hobbies.
25 of 26Book of Wordsworth's Poetry
If you can't find the words the express your love, give the gift of someone else's.
26 of 26In Case We Forget memory book
This luxury memory journal has been designed to give the best gift you can give: memories. It's perfect for taking a moment to capture good times so they are never forgotten.