YoungPro Valentine’s Day Food and Wine Pairing

With Valentine’s Day a mere 24 hours away, the pressure of what to do for your significant other (or the one you hope will BE your significant other) is ever present. No need to stress because YoungProWineGuide has you covered with a simple meal including Ina Garten’s parmesan crusted chicken, Yukon Gold accordion potatoes, and asparagus. Of course a wine pairing is included! And, because this is a special Valentine’s Day wine pairing, TWO wines were selected as perfect complements to this meal with that special someone.

P.S. A music playlist is included to complete this Valentine’s Day food and wine pairing.

It must be noted this meal is easy to prepare even for a novice in the kitchen. You can never go wrong with chicken and potatoes and this meal adds a fresh twist to both. The cooking process is enjoyable. To prepare a meal   for those you care about is rewarding.

Parmesan crusted chicken, accordion Yukon Gold potatoes, and asparagus

Chicken is a blank slate for pairings. It pretty much goes with any wine, however, the way it’s prepared determines the best wine pairing. In this case the chicken is coated in bread crumbs and parmesan cheese- not too heavy on any one flavor or herb and no heavy sauce. Both side items are a nice balance to the chicken, creating a well-rounded taste.

Now for the wine…

Both wines are budget-friendly. Again, the YoungProWineGuide keeps the young professional in mind therefore selected wines will stay within a reasonable price range ($7-$20). A little secret. A cheaper wine can taste just as a good or better than an expensive bottle! (Hmm…future post topic in the making?)

Red wine: Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir (2011)

Price: $9.99.

Pinot Noir is the perfect wine to pair with just about anything. A red wine round in flavor with white wine characteristics, this Pinot Noir is a nice balance with the parmesan crusted chicken. Not a red wine drinker? This variety is a great place start as its flavor doesn’t overpower and hints of fruit add a nice touch.

White wine: Yellow Tail Chardonnay

Price: $6.99.

Chardonnay is the best selling white wine variety. Yellow Tail’s Chardonnay offers a crisp, clean taste. Similar to Pinot Noir, this wine pairs well with various meals, including parmesan crusted chicken. Traces of melon and other fruits add to the light flavor associated with chardonnay wines.

Robery Mondavi Pinot Noir & Yellow Tail Chardonnay

Valentine’s Day Playlist

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without music to help set the mood for the evening. Music has the power to transform any setting, creating a vibe like no other. From pop to country, rap to jazz, the melody of your favorite song can take you to a place of comfort, memory, and pure pleasure. This playlist is a mixture of new and old, known and unknown, yet guaranteed to enhance any Valentine’s Day.

Eric Benet–  I Wanna Be Loved

Kem– Can You Feel It

Lalah Hathaway, Robert Glasper– Cherish the Day

John Legend– Stay With You

Alicia Keys– Fire We Make

Dwele– What Profit

Jesse Boykins III– Amorous (VIDEO)

The Foreign Exchange-I Wanna know

Marcus Canty-Won’t Make a Fool Out of You

Kimbra– Something in the Way You Are

Ledisi, Jaheim– Stay Together

Alabama Shakes– Be Mine

Bruno Mars– Just the Way You Are

Anthony David, Algebra– 4Evermore

Eric Roberson– Picture Perfect

Phonte, Carlitta Durand– Gonna Be A Beautiful Night (VIDEO)

Mary J Blige– You Are My Everything

Musiq– So Beautiful

Floetry– Say Yes

Anthony Hamilton– Point Of It All

Corrine Bailey Rae– Like A Star (VIDEO)

Justin Timberlake– Until the End of Time

Beyonce– Speechless, Dance for You

Joss Stone– Spoiled

Jill Scott– He Loves Me (VIDEO)

Miguel– Adorn

Michael Jackson– Butterflies

Whitney Houston– I Have Nothing

Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo– Nothing Even Matters

Maxwell– This Woman’s Work

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your significant other, family, or friends, enjoy the time you have. Find ways to make it special for those who mean the most to you. Love is in the air!