Be-Mine Wine

As if it weren’t enough to be celestially beautiful and the divine manifestation of all things love and sex, Aphrodite also wore a magical girdle that rendered her irresistible to anyone in her path. Since the chances of accessing such a tool is slim to none, we say reach for the next best thing to tap into the Greek goddess’ confidence this month: wine.

Wine has been historically labelled as an aphrodisiac for as many reasons as we can find to continue drinking it. You’ve probably skimmed across such terms as amines, polyphenols, resveratrol and procyanidins, all claiming grape-related health benefits in one way or another … but sometimes that wine hits our lips with a more primal purpose in mind. Whether you’re fresh on the prowl or cosied up to celebrate your 25th Valentine’s Day together, put some oil on that libido with a few sips of vino, and step into Aphrodite’s shoes.

quick & frisky. Whether it’s a fresh love in your life or a new love of the night, get salty with oysters and sparkling wine. Oysters are sexual in nature—from their texture and flavour to the way you slide them off the shell into your mouth—and bubbles complement this with sparkle and elegance. Briny oysters go well with fresh and crisp sparkling wines. For creamier species, splurge on Champagne. We recommend:

> Fitzpatrick – Fitz Brut 2013; Peachland, B.C. Bright-green apples and citrus, with firm minerality and creamy bubbles, make this a perfectly fresh pairing with Atlantic oysters (think Malpeques or Beausolais).

> Taittinger – Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006. Racy minerality, with a rich and elegant palate of brioche and ripe apricots, this Champagne demands celebration and appreciation. Enjoy alongside Pacific oysters, such as Kusshis or Fanny Bays.

sultry & romantic. For a warmer and slower sip into the night, go Italian with a bottle of Amarone. Rich, and velvety with aromas of tobacco, leather and dried fruits, this powerful wine demands some time to drink it, giving you a chance to scoot closer and get heated. If you want to get playful, sneak some dark chocolate into this equation to double down on your aphrodisiac game. We recommend:

> Amarones can be powerhouses of intensity, so make sure to find one with good balance. Brigaldara 2011 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico offers all those sultry characteristics (dusty leather and tobacco, with dark, dried fruits) in a sophisticated and elegant wine. Take your time with this one, because as she opens up, she starts shedding layers.

A bottle of wine will point you in the right direction, but be weary of bottle number 2! Aphrodite’s girdle can quickly turn into a celibacy belt if you don’t practice moderation with wine. Cin cin! —Laura Starr