A Romantic Guide to Wine and Chocolate
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone whether you’re happily taken, single or it’s complicated! It’s a time to celebrate all kinds of love. Let’s make the most out of the day with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates! Wine and chocolate have always been considered a classic pairing – both having the power to evoke feelings of indulgence and luxury. Here's a guide on how to make the most of this timeless combination.
Question No. 1: Red wine or White wine?
You can only enjoy this pairing at its best when you choose the right kind of wine. Luckily, there are types of wine from both teams that go well with the most decadent chocolates. If you’re a red wine lover, you’re part of the majority! Most people love pairing their chocolates with red wine as their bold flavors complement the rich and intense taste of chocolate. There’s a wide variety of red wines but we won’t let you get lost! Here are some recommendations:
- La Belle Vie Merlot
- Handpicked Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
- Maycas San Julian Pinot Noir
If you prefer white wine, worry not! We got you too. Enjoy this classic pairing with sweet dessert white wines to balance the sweetness of the chocolate. You can try these:
- Bottega Petalo Amore Moscato
- Yellow Tail Pink Moscato
Question No. 2: How to pair which with which?
As you’re on your journey to discover the perfect wine and chocolate pairings, remember this fundamental thing: it's all about balance! Let’s get into it.
Starting with dark chocolates – because they contain two to three times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids as compared to milk chocolate, they are very rich. Because of this, it is best paired with full-bodied red wines as its richness brings out the fruity notes of the wine. If you’re into dark chocolate, pair it with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you’re into milk chocolates, choose a wine with a lighter body. You surely love its sweet and chocolatey taste so pairing it with a glass of Pinot Noir or Merlot will give you the right balance. These wines would compliment, rather than overpower, the milk chocolate’s sweetness.
Now here’s the part for the white chocolate lovers! They say that white chocolate isn’t real chocolate, but that doesn’t matter – our sweet tooth loves them all the same. Although it’s the trickiest to pair because it is high in sugar and has a creamy texture, we found the pair for you. A sweet dessert wine like Moscato is the best choice to balance the sweetness of the white chocolate. There you go!
Question No. 3: Where does the romantic part come in?
Patience there, partner! Learning about the right wine for the right chocolate is just half of the journey. Creating a romantic atmosphere is the heart of your wine and chocolate tasting day. We’re here at the exciting part! Wine and chocolate are best enjoyed in a relaxed and intimate setting. Set the mood by lighting some candles, scented if you must with you and your lover’s favorite aroma. Then comes the music, put on your theme song or some soft and relaxing tunes to get into the groove. Now the atmosphere is getting cozy! Pour yourself a glass of wine, unwrap your box of chocolates, and savor each bite with your special someone.