When it comes to pairing wine with food, many people tend to overlook the perfect option for dessert: chocolate. However, not all wines are created equal, and choosing the right one to complement the rich and complex flavors of chocolate can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore the best wines to pair with chocolate and how to create a harmonious balance between the two.
Understanding the Basics
When it comes to pairing wine with chocolate, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind. First, you want to look for wines that are similarly rich and full-bodied as the chocolate you’re pairing it with. Second, it’s important to consider the sweetness of both the wine and the chocolate. In general, you want to pair sweeter wines with sweeter chocolates, and vice versa. Finally, consider the flavor profiles of both the wine and the chocolate. Ideally, you want to find wines and chocolates that complement, rather than overpower, one another.
Understanding Sweetness
One of the most important things to consider when pairing wine with chocolate is sweetness. In general, you want to pair wines and chocolates with similar levels of sweetness. For example, a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon would be too bitter and overpowering for a sweet milk chocolate. Instead, you might try pairing the milk chocolate with a sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling.
Matching Flavor Profiles
Another important consideration when pairing wine with chocolate is the flavor profile of each. Look for wines and chocolates that have complementary flavors. For example, a dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids is likely to have a more bitter, intense flavor. This type of chocolate might pair well with a bold red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah. Meanwhile, a lighter, fruitier chocolate might pair better with a lighter wine like Pinot Noir or a sweeter dessert wine.
Pairing Suggestions
Now that you have a better understanding of the basic principles of pairing wine with chocolate, let’s take a look at some specific suggestions.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the most popular types of chocolate, and it can be paired with a wide range of wines. Here are a few suggestions:
- Zinfandel: The bold, fruity flavor of Zinfandel pairs well with dark chocolate.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: If you prefer a drier, more full-bodied wine, try pairing dark chocolate with a Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Malbec: The smooth, velvety tannins of Malbec make it a great choice for pairing with dark chocolate.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense than dark chocolate, so it pairs well with lighter, fruitier wines. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pinot Noir: The light, fruity flavor of Pinot Noir pairs well with the sweetness of milk chocolate.
- Riesling: A sweet Riesling can be a great choice for pairing with milk chocolate.
- Moscato: The light, bubbly sweetness of Moscato makes it a fun and festive pairing for milk chocolate.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is the sweetest and mildest of all the chocolates, so it pairs well with sweet, dessert wines. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sherry: The nutty, caramel flavor of Sherry makes it a great choice for pairing with white chocolate.
- Muscat: A sweet Muscat can be a great choice for pairing with white chocolate.
- Port: The rich, velvety sweetness of Port makes it a perfect pairing for white chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Pairing wine with chocolate can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep in mind the basic principles of sweetness, flavor profile, and body. With a little experimentation and some careful consideration, you can find the perfect pairing for any type of chocolate. So go ahead, indulge your sweet tooth and raise a glass to the perfect chocolate and wine pairing!
FAQs – What Wine Goes with Chocolate
Can Wine be Paired with Chocolate?
Yes, wine can be paired with chocolate. Both are delicious treats that can be enjoyed separately or together. When paired correctly, wine can enhance the flavors of chocolate and vice versa, resulting in a delightful combination on the palate.
What Types of Chocolate Pair Well with Wine?
Milk chocolate is the easiest to pair with wine since it has less sugar and more dairy than dark chocolate. However, dark chocolate can still be paired with specific types of wine, especially those with a high tannin content. White chocolate, on the other hand, is best paired with a sweeter white wine, such as a late-harvest riesling.
Which Wine Goes Best with Milk Chocolate?
A red wine that is sweet but not too heavy, such as a pinot noir or a merlot, pairs well with milk chocolate. You can also pair a simple port or a fortified wine like sherry with it. If you prefer white wine, then a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer can complement the sweetness of milk chocolate.
Which Wine Goes Best with Dark Chocolate?
Dark chocolate is best paired with a full-bodied red wine, such as a cabernet sauvignon or a zinfandel, which both have high tannin content. A fortified wine like a port or a sherry also goes well with dark chocolate as their sweetness can counterbalance the bitterness of the chocolate.
Are There Any Rules for Pairing Wine and Chocolate?
There are no strict rules for pairing wine and chocolate. However, it’s best to keep in mind the flavors and intensity of the chocolate and the wine. Look for wines that can complement the chocolate’s sweetness, bitterness, or acidity. Additionally, wine and chocolate pairing is a personal preference. Experiment and try different combinations until you find the one that you enjoy the most.