I Heart Wine

By Maureen C. Petrosky

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing I heart more than a thoughtfully chosen pour. You may think a wine writer would want anything but more wine, yet here it’s really the thought that counts. I’d happily skip the scentless roses in lieu of intoxicating perfumes from a special bottle of wine. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive sip you see in the store or the one with a love-laced label. It could be something that conjures up a wonderful memory, or maybe from a vintage that meant something to your and your honey. Think about why you love the one you’re with and then celebrate that with wine.

It doesn’t have to be a brainteaser. As far as vintage goes, here are a few ideas to inspire you: the year you first met, the year your baby was born, that year you spent finding yourself and your loved one still stuck by your side. If it’s a memory you would like to relive it could be as easy as a bottle that reminds you of a favorite vacation, or maybe just something that you shared on a great date.

If you’re a planner and want to really wow your Valentine, set up a flight of wine and walk down memory lane. Flights are simply smaller pours of several different wines, usually progressing from light to heavy or dry to sweet. You could pair each with a small morsel that matches the wine and end with a new sip to add to the memory making. For me a V-day isn’t complete without a little Brachetto D’Aqui from Banfi. I’ve spoken of these raspberry-infused bubbles before, yet I never tire of their alluring aromas spilling from the sexy silhouette of a champagne flute on Valentine’s Day.

Banfi Rosa Regale, Brachetto d’ Aqui, $21- If this were a dress I would definitely wear it on date night. It’s sexy, fun, and finishes with a sweet kiss. It’s ideal alone after dinner and is smashing when presented alongside a box of chocolates (artisanal of course-after all it is Valentine’s Day!)

Beach Bound

by Maureen C. Petrosky

Finally, sunshine! I was beginning to think we lived in Seattle with all that rain. It’s no surprise that on the first beach day of the year there was not a spot to spread your blanket at Spring Lake. The 4th of July weekend followed suit as the causeway to Long Beach Island and the Parkway turned into parking lots.

It doesn’t matter if you’re native to New Jersey or a Northeast transplant, everyone has a favorite spot down the shore. True, Jersey beaches don’t boast crystal clear waters or palm trees, but from top to bottom our shore has something for everyone. Romantic B&B’s in Cape May, family fun on the boardwalks of Wildwood and Ocean City, gambling in A.C… and that’s just the southern end of NJ. Every step of the way heading north there’re endless spots to soak in the sun, fish, sail, stroll, and shop…not to mention eat your heart out. So what’s the perfect wine to complement all of our amazing beach spots? Bubbles of course! Bubbly wine makes for more fun at the shore and is a surefire hit whether you’re sipping solo or celebrating summer with friends and family. From easy drinking to pure elegance, here’re three picks to pour at your summer shore spot.

Barefoot on the Beach- Barefoot Bubbly $11
You can pick between sparkling Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel, or my fave of the bunch –Chardonnay. They are all easy drinking and light and perfect to sip when squishing sand between your toes.

Barefoot in the Back Yard- Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Minis $10/each
Go casual but in serious style with either the mini Bruts or Rose, or, for more fun, serve both at your next backyard bash.

Barefoot Contessa- Veuve Clicquot, Rose Champagne, $70
Rich and elegant, this classic rose Champagne is perfect for toasting on deck or for swirling at a swanky soiree at the bayside compound.

Real Men Drink Pink

By Maureen C. Petrosky

I hadn’t been out on a double date with my college roommate since college, so meeting her new beau was the perfect excuse for getting together. This may seem like a harmless dinner and drinks, but every couple knows the search for suitable couple friends can be fruitless, not to mention fatiguing. The chemistry must be organic and if at any point it feels forced, the fun of double dating flies out the window. These are very volatile relationships, which is why I was thrilled this meeting at the Philly BYOB Matyson turned out to be a true meeting of the minds.

We came armed with a bottle of red and a chilled white. This should be a rule of thumb for you too. If you don’t go to a BYOB prepared you could be stuck sipping what your friends choose and that could be disastrous. In this case it was the opposite. I was super psyched as we approached the table, because the bottleneck jutting from the ice bucket was one I knew and adored. Aria, Sparkling Pinot Noir, with its ruby-red foil and emblazoned crest was a warm welcome. With a subtle pop we were off to a superb start.

The restaurant had great energy, and amazing food like cornmeal-crusted oysters drizzled with a Piquillo pepper puree, fresh Opah over perfectly cooked risotto, and a beef dish to die for. Yet, it was watching the men engage in easy conversation while happily sipping long flutes filled with pretty pink bubbles that brought a smile to my face. Nothing exudes confidence like a couple of guys throwing back some pink wine in dainty glassware. Between the marvelous food, great wine, and laughter bubbling from our table, we all agreed there’d be a sequel.

The wine: Aria, Sparkling Pinot Noir, $14
These bubbles are dazzling in ruby red and overflowing with fruit, but don’t expect sweet. This is a dry, vibrant mouthful making for a fabulous aperitif as well as a match for many foods.