Optima Magazine

Not only is Sweet Agnes Riesling one of the most acclaimed dessert wines of 2009, but there’s a romantic story behind it that makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day…

New to the UK market, this wine is produced by a small family-run New Zealand winery. Back in 1973 Hermann Seifried and his wife Agnes planted the first vines in the South Island – perservering despite the sceptics who told them that vines would never grow there. Nearly 40 years later, the vineyard is flourishing, with three different labels and a crate of awards to its credit, including a Gold in the Decanter World Wine Awards for the Sweet Agnes Riesling… named by Hermann after his wife, as a thank you for all her hard work, a recognition of all those hours spent grafting vines late into the night. Ah!

Using 100 per cent Riesling fruit, the grapes were hand selected at the peak of ripeness with a large portion of the fruit shrivelled and raisined. The grapes were then frozen and then gently pressed to release a very concentrated intensely flavoured juice.

Sweet Agnes offers the perfect ending to a special meal, ideal with a variety of heart-stopping classic desserts including profiteroles, sticky toffee pudding and crème brûlée.

A 37.5cl bottle has an RRP of £23
and is available from www.nakedwines.com.

More Valentine’s Day Delights

Lazy Sunday morning… Breakfast in bed…

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday, why not indulge your loved one? Thursday Cottage’s Strawberry and Champagne Jam is perfect… on good fresh bread, it’s the ideal accompaniment to a glass of bubbly, and guaranteed to get the day off to a great romantic start. £2.45.

thursday-cottage.com

A heart warming gift for body and soul…

Organic herbal expert Pukka, has a Valentine Gift Pack that combines its beautiful organic Rosewater spray with Love tea. A spritz of rosewater is instantly refreshing; a cup of tea (a delicate infusion of rose, chamomile and lavender) makes anyone feel cherished. £12.95.

pukkaherbs.com

Pizza and Chocolate… a marriage made in heaven.

The 7” Valentine’s Day Pizza, lovingly hand-prepared by passionate chocoholics, is the ultimate treat for a sweet tooth: a delicious luxury Belgian milk chocolate base with a topping of red rainbow drops, milk and white chocolate coated honeycomb, milk chocolate curls and finished off with hand-made Belgian white and milk chocolate hearts.

Delivered direct to your door in an authentic pizza box. £9.50.

gourmetchocolatepizza.co.uk

Get your Valentine's Day off to a spirited start…

The Amorous Breakfast – a limited edition Valentine's Day marmalade from The Pickled Village – is a heady cocktail of pink grapefruit marmalade with cranberries, coupled with a good nip of Russian vodka. Based on the Sea Breeze cocktail, it’s a sweet start to the day. £3.50.

thepickledvillage.com