Wine & Chocolate Tasting
There are two simple pleasures which seem to be a constant source of bliss around our house and they are Wine and Chocolate! We've heard people say that wine and chocolate are not complimentary to one another, but rest assured that wine and chocolate are not only palatable, but simply alluring, captivating and divine! Perhaps our unimaginative friends simply lack the knowledge of Wine & Chocolate Pairing Basics... No need to panic! We're happy to share our insight because everybody should experience the pleasure of pairing wine and chocolate, uh, at least once a day!
Perhaps the most important consideration when pairing wines and chocolate is that the wine should always be as sweet, if not sweeter, than the chocolate it is served with because otherwise the taste of the wine will be sour and bitter.
Lighter bodies wines are best paired with lighter, elegant flavored chocolates... More full bodied wines should be paired with stronger, more intense chocolates. As with formal wine tasting, always work from light to dark so that the more intense flavor of the dark blends do not overpower those offered by lighter wines. Dark or bittersweet chocolates will overpower the subtle traits of white chocolate, so again, work from light to dark.
Here are some ideas for pairing wines and chocolates:
Sherry, Orange Muscat and Zinfandel wines go well with White Chocolate which tends to be more mellow and buttery in flavor than traditional dark and milk chocolates. These White Chocolate Swans will add an elegant touch to your Wine & Chocolate tasting event!
Champagne, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Merlot (lighter bodied), Rieslings, Ruby Port and Sparkling Wines go well with Milk Chocolate and desserts with a milk chocolate flavor base such as creamy chocolate mousse or Chocolate Cheesecake. Chocolate covered strawberries are a romantic favorite that pairs well with Champagne and these Chocolate Truffles go well with White Wines such as Riesling and Zinfandel or a strong Red Wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Port or Sherry.
Cabernets, Zinfandels and vintage ports traditionally go well with dark chocolate indulgence or bittersweet chocolates and are a favorite when it comes to successful wine and chocolate pairing! If the chocolate content is beyond 55% then a Pinot Noir or Merlot will exceed your expectations of delight!
Perhaps the most important consideration when pairing wines and chocolate is that the wine should always be as sweet, if not sweeter, than the chocolate it is served with because otherwise the taste of the wine will be sour and bitter.
Lighter bodies wines are best paired with lighter, elegant flavored chocolates... More full bodied wines should be paired with stronger, more intense chocolates. As with formal wine tasting, always work from light to dark so that the more intense flavor of the dark blends do not overpower those offered by lighter wines. Dark or bittersweet chocolates will overpower the subtle traits of white chocolate, so again, work from light to dark.
Here are some ideas for pairing wines and chocolates:
Sherry, Orange Muscat and Zinfandel wines go well with White Chocolate which tends to be more mellow and buttery in flavor than traditional dark and milk chocolates. These White Chocolate Swans will add an elegant touch to your Wine & Chocolate tasting event!
Champagne, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Merlot (lighter bodied), Rieslings, Ruby Port and Sparkling Wines go well with Milk Chocolate and desserts with a milk chocolate flavor base such as creamy chocolate mousse or Chocolate Cheesecake. Chocolate covered strawberries are a romantic favorite that pairs well with Champagne and these Chocolate Truffles go well with White Wines such as Riesling and Zinfandel or a strong Red Wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Port or Sherry.
Cabernets, Zinfandels and vintage ports traditionally go well with dark chocolate indulgence or bittersweet chocolates and are a favorite when it comes to successful wine and chocolate pairing! If the chocolate content is beyond 55% then a Pinot Noir or Merlot will exceed your expectations of delight!