A TOAST TO LOVE

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FairPrice wine consultant Ch'ng Poh Tiong names seductive wines for this
Valentine's Bouquets with a difference for the one you love

THE name "Valentine" was given to many early Christians who were martyred
for their beliefs.

The Valentines honoured on Feb 14 are two of these, Valentine of Terni, a
bishop believed to have been killed around AD 197, and Valentine of Rome,
who suffered martyrdom in AD 269.

It was only more than a thousand years later in 1382, when English author
and poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote Parlement of Foules, that romance was
associated with Valentine's Day. The poem celebrated the first anniversary
of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. When
they were finally married in 1383, the king was 13 years old and his
bride, 14.

This year, Valentine's Day falls on the eighth day of the Chinese New
Year. Whether you're celebrating just one occasion or both, the following
wine recommendations can be enjoyed with a traditional Chinese feast as
much as with an intimate dinner for two.

Zonin Primo Amore Romeo

"Young Love" or "Primo Amore" is an Italian red that is raspberry in
colour and fruit, it is also very fizzy and has a fresh sweetness on the
finish.

Zonin Primo Amore Juliet

Juliet is the white counterpart - or should we say partner - of Romeo.
Bursting with appley/grapey fruit, this wine is fizzy and utterly
irresistible when served cold.

Jacob's Creek Sparkling Rose

The colour is a seductive bright pink. The palate reveals delicate
strawberry fruit and an endless trail of bubbles. This is the perfect wine
with which to set the right mood. Interestingly, this was made by a woman,
Rebekah Richardson.

Jacob's Creek Reserve Rose 2006

Pink with a hint of orange, the fruit profile is strawberry and red
cherry. A bit sweet-and-sour, this medium-bodied rose is soft and round
with a little freshness on the finish.

Loredona Monterey Riesling 2006

Roses and honey on the nose. On the entry, softly textured sweetness
followed by fresh lemony acidity. Delicious. The back label has a lovely
poem which ends with the line: "My lady flower, my first love ...
Loredona."

Loredona Monterey Pinot Noir 2005

Ruby red in complexion with fragrant raspberry/strawberry and spices on
the nose. The medium-bodied fruit is balanced by medium-bodied tannins
that are ripe but also crisp.

Loredona Monterey Pinot Grigio 2006

Whiff of roses and lychees. Medium-bodied, the palate of this California
white is soft, velvety and finishes with a honeyed dryness.

Rongopai Hawke's Bay Merlot Cabernet 2006

This wine from New Zealand's North Island is red/ruby. Cherry/plum fruit
with soft, ripe, round tannins. About medium-bodied.