WINE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY ROMANCE

FRANCE DOES IT RIGHT

“Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.”
                      ~Author Unknown

By Doc Lawrence

So many aspects of love have a relationship to France. The language is gentle like a warm breeze and what is wine without a French accent?

There are several wines appropriate for Valentine’s dinner and an obvious choice is Champagne. Think about a little more originality this year. Saint-Amour, the wonderful Cru Beaujolais from Burgundy wasn’t named by a marketing or advertising firm. It has been around for ages and is as French as Napoleon Bonaparte. The good news for lovers is that it is available, but you may have to search a little. American distributors stick with wines that sell quickly, and way too many restaurants follow suit.

The Saint-Amour region was named after a Roman soldier who, after escaping death, converted to Christianity and established a mission there. The wine is a lasting tribute to him and bears perhaps the best name in wine's romantic tradition. The Saint-Amour experience includes a light touch on the nose with a subtle underlying natural sweetness reminiscent of raspberries with a hint of rich earth and delightful spice.

Food with Saint-Amour? Anything goes. In the words of the late Jim Sanders, the “father of fine wine” in Atlanta, this is as near as we can find to an all-purpose wine. Salmon, steak, lamb, pork, chicken, duck and most Asian cuisine will pair comfortably. And for those is hot weather regions, Saint-Amour can handle being chilled without any adverse consequences.



DINNER AT LE SAINT-AMOUR

Located in Quebec City’s Old Town, the Saint-Amour is an icon of gastronomy, allying tradition and innovation. There are but a few restaurants on our planet that effectively blend romance with food and wine. Awarded La médaille de Chavalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole de France, the amazing and unforgettable experience is highlighted by a menu that features Duck foie gras three ways and Quebec deer with forgotten vegetables, seared organic mushrooms, roasted peaches and elderberry venison sauce, regal exemplars of Chef Jean Luc Boulay’s distinctive cuisine.Yes, the acclaimed wine list includes Saint-Amour.