She Strengthens

Wine and Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven

When it comes to indulging in life’s sweet pleasures, wine and chocolate are at the top of the list. But did you know that pairing them correctly can elevate the experience from delightful to sublime? It’s not just about grabbing a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates; it’s an art that requires some thought and consideration.

The Key to Harmony

Both wine and chocolate feature strong flavors and high sugar content, which can clash if not paired carefully. According to Ben Fine, La Crema Wine Educator, the key is to ensure that the wine is slightly sweeter than the chocolate. This prevents the flavors from becoming muddled and creates a harmonious balance.

Decoding Chocolate

To find the perfect wine pairing, start by identifying the flavors and textures in your chosen chocolate. Take a Baby Ruth bar, for example. You have peanuts, creamy caramel, and milk chocolate. A smooth-bodied wine with nutty and caramel notes would be an excellent match.

7 Wine and Chocolate Pairings to Swoon Over

Rosés and Reds

• Sparkling Rosé + Milk Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: A classic combination that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. The ripe berry flavors in the rosé complement the sweetness of the chocolate and strawberries.
  • Wine Recommendation: Prosper Maufoux Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé ($20)
• Cabernet Sauvignon + Espresso Dark Chocolate Truffles: A bold and sexy combination that will leave you wanting more. The dark fruit flavors and spicy finish of the cabernet pair perfectly with the bitterness of the espresso and chocolate.
  • Wine Recommendation: Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon ($7.99)
• Pinot Noir + Milk Chocolate Mousse: A silky and sensual combination that will melt in your mouth. The soft tannins and flavors of the pinot noir complement the creamy texture of the mousse.
  • Wine Recommendation: Kin & Cascadia Pinot Noir ($16)

Whites

• Dry Riesling + Chili-Infused Dark Chocolate: A spicy and surprising combination that will ignite your taste buds. The mineral notes and zingy acidity of the riesling cut through the heat of the chili and dark chocolate.
  • Wine Recommendation: Clean Slate Riesling ($10)
• Lambrusco + Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: A fruity and playful combination that’s sure to delight. The bright berry flavors and light bubbles of the lambrusco cleanse the palate and add a fun twist to the classic peanut butter cup.
  • Wine Recommendation: Riunite Lambrusco ($8)

White Chocolate Wonders

• Pinot Gris + Dried Pineapple Rings Dipped in White Chocolate: A tropical and sweet combination that’s perfect for those who prefer white chocolate. The crisp pinot gris balances the sweetness of the white chocolate and pineapple.
  • Wine Recommendation: J Vineyards & Winery California Pinot Gris ($20)
• Chardonnay + White Chocolate Cashew Turtles: A rich and indulgent combination that’s sure to impress. The buttery notes and long finish of the chardonnay complement the creamy texture of the cashews and white chocolate.
  • Wine Recommendation: William Hill Estate Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay ($27)

The Ultimate Tasting Experience

To truly enjoy your wine and chocolate pairing, follow these three simple steps:

1. Smell and Taste Separately: Experience the aromas and flavors of the wine and chocolate individually to understand their unique characteristics.
2. Taste Together: Take a bite of the chocolate, followed by a sip of the wine, to see how the two work together.
3. Repeat and Enjoy: If you like what you taste, repeat the process until you’re in a state of pure bliss!