Wine and chocolate go together. Or, at least, they seem like they should. You’ve seen them paired, after all, and maybe even tried them yourself. Maybe you found truffles and a bottle of merlot tucked into a gift basket. Perhaps you tried bonbons or ganache with cab at a tasting event. Did you actually love them together, or were you underwhelmed? It’s easy to see why these treats are paired so often: they’re super indulgent.
Unfortunately, there are problems with pairing such bold treats. The main issue is that wine and chocolate share many similarities, which can lead to a clash. Both contain natural compounds known as tannins. These polyphenols are better explored in moderation. Don’t abandon your plans for wine and chocolate pairing just yet. Sure, some pairings take a bit more planning, but they’re worth it. Ditch your outdated ideas about which wines and chocolates go together, and you’ll find some amazing surprises.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate seems like it’s made for wine, right? Pairing it can actually be super tricky. Maybe you’ve already noticed that some pairings just hit differently. Go too bold with the accompanying wine, and you can expect a bitter finish that allows the fruitiness of the wine to disappear. Check out Sweet Wine Club’s wines to try.
Don’t abandon dark chocolate just yet. Search for sweeter wines that complement chocolate’s bitterness. Look for notes of figs or plums. Subtle spices like cinnamon also work well, especially when they add warmth. Port matches chocolate’s depth. In fact, it’s often better for pairing than your typical table wines because it lets all those fruit flavors and aromas shine through. If you’re feeling daring, try a full-bodied ruby port such as a Syrah for a tannic experience.
No matter your wine preference, be careful with the cocoa percentage. Even with sweet wines and port, you’re better off with a lower ratio: 60 percent or less to avoid masking the complexity of the wine. Better yet, try dark chocolates with fruity elements, such as raspberry cream truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries.
Milk Chocolate
Don’t let chocolate snobs convince you that dark chocolate is more sophisticated. Milk chocolate may actually be the better option. It’s more versatile than you think: you can safely enjoy it with dry whites or sweet reds. Don’t assume you’ll miss out on your go-to merlot or pinot noir. These wines might not work with dark chocolate, but milk chocolate’s another story.
Creamier chocolates boost those trademark juicy notes like cherry or plum, but can also work well with nutmeg or even almond notes. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll feel drawn to Moscato. Milk chocolate and Prosecco deliver a playful pairing that feels crisp and refreshing.
White Chocolate
Skeptics claim white chocolate doesn’t count as a ‘real’ chocolate because it lacks cocoa solids. We’d counter that it’s a moot point. White chocolate is packed with cocoa butter, after all, and it’s tailor-made for pairing because it goes with everything. It really is the ultimate sweet wine chocolate, and yet, it feels right at home with bolder reds.
Skip clashing tannins and enjoy white chocolate with the boldest reds. Experiment with all kinds of red blends: dry, semi-sweet, or fruit-forward to begin. Go all-in on the chocolate vibes and pair a white chocolate bar with a chocolate-style port.
Ruby Chocolate
Why limit your palate to new types of wine? Expand your chocolate repertoire with a stunning pink-hued treat. Ruby chocolate brings a tart edge to your chocolate-tasting experience. It also expands your pairing opportunities, pushing you to try berry-forward wines.
This is where fruit wines excel. Sweet but never excessive, they mirror the fruity notes of ruby chocolate. A sparkling red blend can add a bubbly contrast, while a fruit-forward sangria makes the tasting experience feel extra festive.
Treat yourself to a decadent tasting experience, complete with your favorite beverage and your favorite dessert. Check out the recipes right here at Sweet Wine Club for tested ideas. The right pairing will make you fall in love with wine and chocolate all over again.