Pear-Chardonnay Compote

Valentine's Day is coming up this weekend and that means that lots of guys and gals are panicking at this very moment wondering if they should do something for their significant other.

Though I'm not a super Valentiney kind of girl, my advice is to err on the side of caution and prepare something special for your sweetheart, whether that means a pint of their favorite ice cream, a bouquet of flowers or a romantic dinner date if that's more your speed.

As time has passed, the gifts that I consider thoughtful have changed some {think: 12 consecutive hours of sleep and maybe time to go get a quick pedicure}, but when in doubt, my husband knows that wine and cheese are my love languages. Add chocolate for bonus points.

A lot of times, I've found that we both get a little disoriented in the wine aisle with all the options and price points that are available. My "extensive knowledge" of wine goes as far as knowing that I like it a lot. I've told you everything I  know, folks.

But I do know that wine doesn't have to break the bank to be good. That's good news for all.

A few weeks ago I received a shipment of wine from my friends at Benson Marketing, and after doing a happy dance and getting an odd look from the delivery guy, I knew I had some "work" ahead of me. Since then, I've spent some time tasting and learning about different wines and what they go well with so that I can take out some of the guess work for you. Aren't I thoughtful?

I wish I could say I came up with the descriptions below, but they were provided for me and I was super grateful for the cheat sheet. {Also, I decided that in my next life I'm going to be a wine description writer.}

Crémant de Limoux ($12-25): Add some sparkle to the most romantic day of the year with Crémant de Limoux from the Languedoc region of Southern France. Champagne quality for Prosecco prices – there’s no better way to say “I love you.”


2012 Balletto Vineyards Brut Rosé ($42): The only thing better than bubbles for Valentine’s Day? Pink bubbles. This delicious combo of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is made in the traditional method, so you get full flavor and a fuller texture, with a crisp, lasting finish.

Picpoul de Pinet ($9-13): Picpoul goes with oysters, and we all know what oysters are good for…chill down a bottle of this light and refreshingly acidic white wine from Languedoc and see where the evening leads.


2013 Landmark Vineyards “Overlook” Chardonnay ($25): A lush, layered Chardonnay to pair with whatever you’re cooking up for a special Valentine’s Day meal, from scallops to cheese fondue.


2013 Hahn SLH Pinot Noir ($30): Pinot Noir is a sexy and silky wine, and this offering from Santa Lucia Highlands is particularly voluptuous, ready to please any palate.


2014 Balletto Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20): Drink pink on Valentine’s Day with rosé made from 100% Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. But make sure to get the sweetness from your significant other, because this wine is made in a dry French style.


2013 Overlook Pinot Noir ($25): This medium-bodied Pinot Noir exhibits bright acidity with intense aromas of raspberries, red cherry, with hints of cola and mahogany. Pairs well with slow roasted pork roast, duck a l’orange, eggplant parmesan, grilled summer vegetables and aged cow’s milk cheeses.


2013 JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon ($27): A favorite from Paso Robles, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect go-to red for Valentine’s Day, from the winery that Wine Enthusiast named 2015 Winery of the Year.

So far, I've only had the chance to open up the Picpoul de Pinet {which I really enjoyed}, the JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon {which my husband and I both adored}, and the Landmark Pinot Noir {which my husband drank in place of beer for the Super Bowl. I mean, that says something.} and I can tell you this: No matter what wine you prefer, it tastes best when you're having fun and enjoying it with someone you love.

If your girl or guy happens to have the same appreciation for wine and cheese that I do, then I suggest combining the two and impressing them with this easy to make Pear-Chardonnay Compote over goat cheese. {Don't be scared, compote is just a fancy word for fruit cooked with water, sugar and spices.}

You don't have to use fancy wine for the recipe, but do make sure that you choose one that you like because the flavor intensifies as the wine cooks out. I loved how the creamy, tart goat cheese tasted with the sweet flavors of pear from both the actual fruit and the notes of the Chardonnay. Yum.

Wine and cheese may not be everybody's thing, but I hope you'll find a thoughtful way to treat your favorite person on Valentine's Day and always. 🙂

Pear-Chardonnay Compote 
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma 

1 Bosc pear, peeled, cored and diced
⅓ cup your favorite chardonnay {like Landmark Vineyards Overlook}
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cinnamon stick
{Optional} ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

1 log goat cheese
Crackers or Toasted Crostini for serving

1. Mix together all ingredients except vanilla bean paste in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the pears are softened and slightly caramelized.*

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste if desired.

Note: I took about ¼ of the pears and blended them to make a puree of sorts that I mixed together with the rest of the simmered pears to give it a creamier consistency. You can do this if you'd like or leave the compote as is.

Cool slightly and serve over a log of goat cheese with crackers or toasted bread.

*If the liquid evaporates before the pears are fully softened, add a few more tablespoons of wine and continue to cook until they have reached the desired consistency.