Wine and Chocolate – A Surprisingly Good Pairing

The usual pairing synonym for wine is typically cheese or savory snacks, but sweets can offer a unique gourmet experience and a refreshing twist at the table. The earthy notes of wine and the contrast of cocoa create balance and merge into a single harmonious blend. This indulgence can easily replace dessert after lunch or delight your friends during an evening gathering. Interestingly, certain wine notes – such as fruits or spices – can highlight and enhance the flavor of chocolate. There are guidelines that can help you, as the acidity of some wines may overpower certain chocolates. Put on some jazz or soul music, dim the lights, and allow the ambiance to completely relax you.
Little Tricks from the Masters
There are simple solutions to this seemingly complicated pairing. The chocolate should be sweeter than the wine, and the wine should have medium or low acidity. Take a piece of chocolate and let it slowly melt in your mouth. Then, take a small sip of wine and ask yourself—does the flavor improve when they’re together, or not?
Dark Chocolate and Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Dark chocolate has an intense bitterness and a rich texture, requiring a wine that can match its strength. Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the depth of the cocoa, Merlot adds a fruity sweetness, while red wines like Syrah pair perfectly with dark chocolate that includes orange zest.
Milk Chocolate and Fruity Red Wines – Pinot Noir, Ruby Port, Grenache
Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier, so it calls for a wine with fruity character. Pinot Noir has notes of juicy cherry and strawberry. Ruby Port combined with caramel chocolate is pure delight, and Grenache with hazelnut chocolate will appeal to any sweet tooth.
White Chocolate and Sweet Dessert Wines – Moscato, Riesling, Prosecco, Tokaji
Although it contains no cocoa, white chocolate has a buttery and milky texture that pairs beautifully with lighter, aromatic wines. Prosecco and white chocolate with lemon will pleasantly surprise anyone daring enough to try them together. Chocolate with pistachios and Tokaji, or Moscato with vanilla-flavored white chocolate, make for a perfect dessert that invites another bite.
Fruit-Infused Chocolate and Rosé or Sparkling Wine
Tart fruits blend nicely with the freshness of rosé wine, so cherry chocolate will find a perfect companion in a brut-style rosé.
This is the art of indulgence, and there are no rules you cannot break. Experiment, bring a little excitement into your everyday life, and surrender to your senses.