RIGHT. Valentine's Day is pretty much upon us.

The traditional romantic tipples of choice for February 14 would generally be fizzy or pink or sweet, or all of the above.

But hold that thought. How about breaking from that particular norm and going for a warming full-bodied or bold red instead?

Such a wine could well go with that big fancy steak or braised beef dinner you're making, and, even if you're having something else, it could still leave your date melting away, overwhelmed almost and feeling rather fuzzy inside, on what is likely to be a cold evening outside.

Majestic have a few hearts-and-flowers "bottles for two" as part of a Valentine's promotion, one of which is the Carpineto Dogajolo 2014, a "baby super-Tuscan" red which comes in at £9.99.

A 13.5 per cent drink, it delicately blends Tuscany's great Sangiovese grape with about 30 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon.

Fragrant, young and gently alluring – it’s got a round texture and, fittingly for Valentine's, a fruity character and smooth finish. Not a bad partner for a candlelit dinner, especially one of those Italian tomato beef mince pasta dishes with lashings of Parmesan.

If you fancy French romance above Italian, then over at the Co-op is a Chateau Capitoul, a Languedoc red and a pretty smart blend for it's very attractive price of £6.49, currently down £1 until the end of February.

Featuring Syrah, Grenache Noir and Carignan grapes, this warming 13 per cent wine offers aromas of black fruits and toasted notes and spice.

Like any good date, it is a nice mix of vivaciousness and cheeriness, with the tannins easy enough.

It is particularly good if you're having grilled rib of beef or duck for dinner, or white meat and gravy even, and it goes well with the cheese platter to finish.

If you think your date might prefer white wine, meanwhile, then if you're at the Co-op, it might be worth picking up a Zalze Reserve Bush Vine Chenin Blanc, down from £8.99 to £7.99 until the end of the month.

This 13 per cent South Africa tipple, from the famed Stellenbosch region, is elegant and delightfully accessible - and you can't say that about all dates!

It has upfront tropical lime and citrus aromas with pineapple and peachy flavours, complemented by a long, crisp aftertaste and clean finish.

Good romance at a good price.