I read an article this morning on TheStreet.com titled Wine or Roses for Valentine’s Day.

It starts off well…going in a direction I happen to agree with:

"Valentine’s Day. While flowers are never a bad option, wine and wine-related gifts can be even more romantic and put a real exclamation point on your affection."

I agree 100%. Flowers may be a solid option, but they are just sooo easy. Does it take any real thought to buy flowers on V-day? I don’t think so…and I typically don’t buy Nena flowers on this, the most Hallmark of all holidays.

But, after this initial paragraph… I agree with very little of what the author has to say.

Sure, white wine is a decent option, but pushing over-the-top buttered oak Chardonnay, with a brief mention of Sauvignon Blanc misses the mark I think. Does sucking on sawdust with a stick of butter in your mouth sound romantic?

How about some nice, zesty Gewurtz from Alsace? Maybe an elegant California Viognier? It obviously depends on what you’re serving with these wines…but a heavy, flabby Chardonnay is about as un-sexy a wine as I can think of.

Turning to his suggestions of Cabernet Sauvignon or a meritage blend for reds…again, I don’t agree. For romance…is there anything better than a silky, seductive Pinot Noir either from the Pacific Northwest or Burgundy?

Wine can absolutely set the stage for a supremely romantic evening…but I can’t condone turning to burly, muscular wines like these. And don’t get me wrong…I love Cabernet.

Dissapointingly, the only mention of sparkling wine is:

"And, before you ask, here’s my take on bubbly as a gift: It’s nice, it’s meaningful and it is sure to make your mate smile, but it is also overdone."

Strike three in my book. I don’t think bubbly is overdone at all. In fact, I think we should all drink sparklers more often. Maybe it’s a bit too common on Valentine’s Day…but if we’re not talking Korbel, go for it.

Talk about overdone…picking Chardonnay as your white wine of choice and Cabernet as your red selection?

Personally, as you’ll see in my newest column (hitting news stands tomorrow morning) I think Rosé should at least be mentioned. Pink bubbly gets mentioned on V-day every year…why not still Rosé? I know. I know…but it’s not all white Zin.

I can appreciate the fact that this author’s audience is quite different from mine….but I’m never for reinforcing the Chard and Cab-only view of wine. I see it too often.