An intro to wine & chocolate pairings

Imagine an evening of indulgence, savoring the rich, velvety flavors of chocolate and the aromatic, complex notes of wine. A perfect pairing of these two luxurious treats can create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Wine and chocolate pairings have become increasingly popular as more people discover the delightful way these two can complement each other.

The importance of selecting the right combinations

However, not all wine and chocolate combinations are made equal. To truly appreciate the experience, it is essential to choose the right pairings. The wrong combination may result in a clash of flavors that leaves a less-than-desirable taste in your mouth. By understanding the basics of wine and chocolate pairings, you can elevate your sensory experience to new heights.

The Basics: Wine and Chocolate Pairings

Wine and chocolate flavor profiles

Both wine and chocolate come in a variety of flavor profiles, ranging from sweet to bitter, fruity to earthy. Wines can be classified as red, white, or rosé, and have flavor notes such as berries, citrus, oak, and spices. Chocolate, on the other hand, can be categorized as dark, milk, or white, with additional flavors such as nuts, fruits, and spices.

Factors to consider when pairing

When pairing wine and chocolate, there are several factors to consider:

1. INTENSITY:
   The intensity of both the wine and chocolate should be balanced. A bold red wine pairs well with a high-percentage dark chocolate, while a lighter white wine might be better suited for a creamy milk chocolate.
2. SWEETNESS:
   Oddly enough, the wine should be sweeter than the chocolate. This helps to prevent the wine from tasting sour or bitter in comparison to the chocolate.
3. FLAVOR NOTES:
   Look for complementary flavors in both the wine and chocolate. For example, a wine with berry notes might pair well with a chocolate that has hints of raspberry or cherry.
4. TEXTURE:
   The texture of the wine and chocolate can also play a role in the pairing. Creamy chocolates may work well with wines that have a smooth, velvety finish.

Remember, these guidelines are not set in stone, and personal preferences will play a significant role in determining the perfect pairing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that suit your taste buds best.

Luxury Chocolate Collection Pairings

Amore: Decadent chocolates for wine pairing

The Amore collection is an exquisite selection of indulgent chocolate treats, featuring rich Dark Chocolate, Zesty Orange, Classic Milk Truffles, and more. To fully savor these luxurious chocolates, pair them with a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz. These wines have the boldness to stand up to the intense flavors of Amore chocolates, creating a match made in heaven.

Harmony: Classic combinations of fruits and nuts

Harmony is a delightful assortment of chocolates that brings together fruits, nuts, and chocolate in perfect unison. Lemon Jasmine, Coconut Cream Truffle, and Raspberry Rose are just a few of the delightful chocolates in this collection. A fruity, medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a Malbec would complement the fruit and nut flavors in the Harmony collection. Alternatively, try a crisp, aromatic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the fruity notes of these chocolates. We know we’re drinking both.

Velour: Soft and smooth collection for wine pairing

The Velour collection is a celebration of smooth and creamy chocolate truffles, with flavors such as Coconut Cream, Irish Cream, and Vanilla Cream. Pair these velvety chocolates with a dessert wine like a Tawny Port or a late-harvest Riesling. These wines have a rich, silky texture and a touch of sweetness that will highlight the creaminess of the Velour chocolates, resulting in a harmonious pairing that will leave you craving more.

Hosting a Chocolate and Wine Pairing Party

Steps to hosting a successful event

1. CHOOSE YOUR GUEST LIST:
   Keep the guest list to a manageable size, allowing for intimate conversations and personal interactions. Aim for 6-12 guests to create a cozy atmosphere.
2. PREPARE YOUR PAIRINGS:
   Select a variety of chocolates and wines from different collections and flavor profiles. Be sure to include options from the Luxury Chocolate Collection, the Premier Artisan Collection, and single chocolate bars.
3. ARRANGE THE TASTING TABLE:
   Display the chocolates and wines on a table, with tasting notes for each pairing. Provide small plates, wine glasses, and palate cleansers like crackers or bread.
4. ENCOURAGE EXPLORATION:
   Encourage your guests to taste each pairing and share their thoughts, likes, and dislikes. This will create a lively and interactive environment.
5. PROVIDE GUIDANCE:
   Offer your guests some basic guidelines for pairing wine and chocolate, such as matching intensity, balancing flavors, and considering personal preferences. Although sometimes going off the rails can promote some fun and humorous reactions.

Tips for choosing the right chocolates and wines

1. MATCH INTENSITY:
   Pair bolder chocolates, like dark chocolate or those with complex flavors, with full-bodied wines. Lighter chocolates, like milk or white chocolate, pair well with lighter, fruitier wines.
2. CONSIDER THE FLAVORS:
   Take into account the flavor profiles of both the chocolate and the wine. For example, fruity chocolates pair well with fruity wines, while nutty chocolates complement wines with earthy or nutty notes.
3. EXPERIMENT WITH CONTRASTS:
   While matching flavors is important, don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting flavors. Sometimes, a sweet chocolate with a dry wine can create a delightful and unexpected pairing.
4. FACTOR IN PERSONAL PREFERENCES:
   Remember that individual tastes can vary greatly, so choose a range of chocolates and wines to accommodate different preferences.
5. DON’T FORGET PRESENTATION:
   Beautifully presented chocolates and wines can elevate the overall experience. Consider using attractive serving platters and wine glasses to create a visually appealing spread.

Premier Artisan Collection Pairings

Gemini: Exclusive dark chocolate pairings

The Gemini collection features an exclusive selection of dark chocolate treats, with flavors such as Raspberry, Lemon Ginger, Hazelnut Caramel, and Cardamom. To complement the richness and depth of these dark chocolates, choose a wine with enough character and complexity, like a bold Zinfandel or a well-aged Merlot. These wines will bring out the unique flavors of the Gemini chocolates, resulting in an unforgettable pairing experience.

Iridia: Assortment of flavors in dark and milk chocolate

Iridia is a versatile assortment of chocolates featuring a variety of flavors wrapped in both dark and milk chocolate. Indulge in Molten Chocolate, Dulce de Cream, Baileys Splash, and more. To accommodate the variety in this collection, opt for a wine that’s versatile and food-friendly, such as a Grenache or a Chardonnay. These wines have a balanced acidity and fruitiness that will highlight the diverse flavors in the Iridia collection without overpowering them.

Ciselé: Unique combinations with liqueur and brandy

The Ciselé collection showcases chocolates with sophisticated flavor profiles, featuring cream, nuts, berries, caramel, and ganache infused with liqueurs and brandy. To truly savor these unique chocolates, pair them with a fortified wine like a Ruby Port or a Madeira. These wines have the richness, depth, and complexity to enhance the flavors in the Ciselé collection, creating a luxurious and memorable pairing.

See our full range of chocolates

Ready to elevate your wine and chocolate pairing experience? Don’t miss out on our Luxury Chocolate Collection’s Amore, Harmony, and Velour boxes, as well as the Premier Artisan Collection’s Gemini, Iridia, and Ciselé offerings. Click the links to explore these exquisite pairings and discover the perfect match for your next wine-tasting session.

Looking for more delightful treats to pair with your favorite wines? Venture beyond the featured products and dive into our complete range of gourmet chocolate offerings, from the luxurious Infinity box to the irresistible Supernova milk chocolate bar.

Single Chocolate Bar Pairings

We also offer full-size chocolate bars, perfect for sharing, or claim one for yourself!

Discovery: Dark chocolate with nuts

The Discovery chocolate bar features our signature dark chocolate combined with a variety of gently roasted nuts. To elevate the earthy and nutty flavors, pair this chocolate bar with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec. These wines have rich tannins and dark fruit flavors that will enhance the nutty characteristics of the Discovery bar, creating a harmonious and delightful pairing.

Noir Dream: Smooth dark chocolate

Noir Dream is a smooth, pure dark chocolate bar that showcases the essence of high-quality chocolate. To truly appreciate its depth and complexity, opt for a wine that complements its robust flavors, like a bold Syrah or a fruity Pinot Noir. These wines have a balanced acidity and fruit-forward notes that will accentuate the cocoa richness of the Noir Dream bar, resulting in a satisfying and indulgent experience.

Symphony: Milk chocolate with a balanced mix of ingredients

The Symphony chocolate bar features our creamy milk chocolate harmoniously combined with roasted walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate-coated puffed rice. To enhance the diverse flavors and textures of this bar, choose a wine that’s versatile and complementary, such as a Riesling or a Viognier. These wines have a pleasant sweetness and bright acidity that will highlight the various ingredients in the Symphony bar, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable pairing.

 

A few final thoughts

Finding the perfect pairings

Selecting the right wine and chocolate pairings can elevate your taste buds to new heights, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. By understanding the basic principles of pairing, exploring our recommended combinations, and experimenting with your own unique tastes, you can create an extraordinary symphony of flavors to enjoy and share.

Indulge in the luxurious world of wine and chocolate pairings

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to find the perfect wine and chocolate pairings, it’s time to indulge in the luxurious world of gourmet chocolates. Whether you’re hosting a memorable gathering or savoring a quiet evening at home, our exquisite chocolate selections are sure to impress and delight. So raise a glass, take a bite, and let your senses revel in the magic of perfectly paired wine and chocolate.

IX. Resources

1. Cacao and Cardamom. “The Art of Pairing Chocolate and Wine.” Cacao and Cardamom, www.cacaoandcardamom.com/blogs/news/the-art-of-pairing-chocolate-and-wine.
2. Hirsch, Jenni Avins, and Larissa Zimberoff. “The Serious Eats Guide to Chocolate.” Serious Eats, www.seriouseats.com/chocolate-guide.
3. Presilla, Maricel E. The New Taste of Chocolate: A Cultural and Natural History of Cacao with Recipes. Ten Speed Press, 2009.
4. Robinson, Jancis. The 24-Hour Wine Expert. Penguin Books, 2016.
5. Sbrocco, Leslie. “Pairing Wine with Chocolate: How to Get It Right.” Wine Enthusiast, 14 Feb. 2018, www.winemag.com/2018/02/14/wine-chocolate-pairings.
6. Webber, Caroline. “6 Rules for Matching Wine and Chocolate.” Decanter, 29 Oct. 2021, www.decanter.com/wine-and-food-matching/wine-and-chocolate-395154.

Coauthors

Beata Lerman PhD: I am a biochemist and an Immunologist with a passion for improving health in the most effective ways possible. I have been in many roles over my 23-year biomedical research career from academic Research and Drug Development to industry consulting and Medical affairs. I strive to bring you the most evidence-based and reliable educational content to put you back in charge of your health. Find me on LinkedIn. 

Droo Higgins: I’m an educational writer and strategist. I worked in the fields of public and corporate education as a content developer, trainer, and consultant for the past 12 years. I’m also an advocate for the potential health benefits of chocolate. I’m an avid chocolate lover, and love the work that Beata is doing. Find me on LinkedIn. 

Images by Maja Petric, Remo Vilkko, and Tamas Pap on Unsplash.
Also by Freepik, Freepik on Freepik.

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Discover the Art of Pairing Wine & Chocolate

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