Valentine’s Day can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be, especially if you roll up your sleeves and cook dinner for your Valentine.  We think this is such a great idea that we hunted down some tasty, easy to prepare recipes and paired 'em with wines we know you'll love.  If you've never had a great food and wine pairing, then please try at least one of these! 

Recipe 1: Grilled Steak with herbed butter

Red:  Cabernet Sauvignon, esp. California.  Check out Caymus, but make sure to decant it for around two hours.

White: California Chardonnay.  Try Cakebread Chardonnay Reserve.  You’ll be shocked how well a full-bodied oaky California Chardonnay works with butter sauces, even when there's red meat involved.

Recipe 2: Mini Pork Rack with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Red: Pinot Noir or Red Burgundy.  For Burgundy, try Bertrand Ambroise Aries, it's elegant with a touch of earth. For California Pinot Noir, try Donum, a big, mouth-filling Pinot from Carneros.

White: California Chardonnay or Riesling.  Try Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay or Leitz Rudesheim Roseneck Riesling Spätlese.  The Leitz is an absolute rockstar Riesling that will just break your heart.

Recipe 3: Chicken Scallopini

Red: New World Pinot Noir.  Try Donum or Caitec. 

White: White Burgundy or Sauvignon Blanc.  For the Burgundy, try Moreau Chassagne Montrachet Champs Gain .  For the Sauvignon Blanc, try Thomas La Crele Sancerre.  The Burgundy will work with the sauce's richness, while the Sauvignon Blanc will contrast it.

Recipe 4 Garlic Basil Shrimp with Tomatoes

Red: Not recommended.

White: Sauvignon Blanc or Sparkling Wine.  For the Sauvignon Blanc, try Thomas La Crele Sancerre.  The Sancerre will work some zesty magic with the tomatoes and the basil. For the Sparkling wine, try Henriot Brut Souverain.  The Champagne will work beautifully with the shrimp’s delicate flavor and will tie it in with the basil and tomatoes.

Recipe 5: Oven Poached Salmon a la Paige with Dill, Vidalia Onion and Cucumber Relish

Red: Pinot Noir.  Try Donum or Caitec.  Pinot Noir is a classic pairing with Salmon.

White: White Burgundy or Sauvignon Blanc.  For the Burg, try Manciat Petite Bruyeres Pouilly Fuisse.  For the Sauvignon Blanc, check out the Paul Thomas Sancerre Les Comtesses.  The Sancerre will be magnificent with the relish.

If you need help with other food and wine pairings, just email me at todd@kahnsfinewines.com.  I’m happy to help.  Just tell me what you’re cooking and whether you want white or red.  

Cheers!