Like many of life’s celebrations and movements, Valentine’s Day was romanticised by the great writer Geoffrey Chaucer, whose ‘Parlement of Foules’ described birds gathering on ‘seynt valentynes day’ to choose their mates. Today, we human lovebirds tend to find ourselves flocking around a decent drink, and if you’re searching for something to gather around, try one of my favourites.
Pasqua Passione Sentimento Rosso
Beyond a label showing lovers' promises scrawled on the wall of Juliette’s house, Verona is a concentrated, blackberry-scented red made with partly raisened grapes. Looking to push the boat out? Its producer, Pasqua, is also offering flutes of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Prosecco and two kitsch heart-shaped pizzas at their decidedly chic Harrods and Pasqua pizzeria between the 11th and 15th of February.
Verona from £10.99 at majestic.co.uk; Pizza and prosecco for two, £70
Amarula Cream
The antioxidative marula fruit giving character to Amarula Cream grows on what Africans call the ‘Marriage Tree’ given it is believed those who marry beneath its branches will reap vigour and fertility thereafter. Best sipped over ice.
£13.50, sainsburys.co.uk
Champagne Doyard Oeil de perdrix Grand Cru 2018
If you can place a higher price on love, this mighty, red-fruited Grand Cru Champagne exhibits the copper colour of ‘oeil de perdrix’ which rather morbidly refers to the look of a partridge’s eye in the throes of its demise. Enjoy!
£125, cepage.uk
London Edition Northern Lights Punch Cocktail
According to bars manager, Anthony Callegari, the green hue of this mint-pepped take on the Grasshopper cocktail ‘displays the opposite of love for Valentine’s’ on the colour wheel.’ What is more, it can be dialled up for up to eight guests to enjoy – perfect for those looking for a group destination rather than sipping à deux.
