Albertsons Cos. Names Best Wine Pairings Ahead of Valentine's Day

Albertsons Companies has named its ideal pairings for its private label Vinaforé Collection of wines with Valentine’s Day around the corner.

The collection is available at Albertsons Cos. banner stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Shaw’s, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Acme, and more, and was recently expanded last November. Curated by Curtis Mann, master of wine at Albertsons Cos., the Vinaforé collection features five distinctively crafted wines originating from around the world.

Mann’s descriptions of the private label collection and pairing suggestions are as follows:

Vinaforé Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Elegant European style with the power of California fruit. Notes of cassis and black cherry aromas are followed with clove and spice flavors. The lush and lingering mouthfeel is followed with fine grain tannins and a lengthy finish. Pairs with: Beef, prime rib, steak au poivre, braised escarole or hard cheeses.

 Vinaforé Napa Valley Chardonnay: Crisp pear and apple aromas with a rich mouthfeel ending with a buoyant and inviting finish. Pairs with: Roasted lobster, herb-marinated sea bass or white beans.

Vinaforé Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir: Fruit forward aromas of Bing cherries and violets with a hint of oak spice followed by a rich flavor of cherry pie and a rich mouthfeel. The finish is long and smooth with enough lift to create an elegant impression. Pairs with: Duck confit, coq au vin or salmon.

Vinaforé Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc: Fruit clean aromas and flavors of grapefruit, gooseberry, and lemon zest with a bright and refreshing acidity. Pairs with: Oysters au gratin, warm chèvre salad or jambalaya.

Vinaforé Côtes du Rhône Villages: Savory raspberry and blackberry bramble notes are accented by Mediterranean herbs and cracked pepper. Fine tannins with a full body. Pairs with: Cassoulet, barbeque or aged goat cheese 

All Vinaforé products are sold for $21.99 and under. Other brands in the Albertsons Cos. wine portfolio include Signature Reserve, O Organics and Kalyana wines.