Chocolate & Wine Pairing Tips are everywhere you look this time of year so what can we say that you don’t already know?
First thing, let’s start with some advice. Don’t wait for someone to create a Valentine’s Day extravaganza for you, take control and do it yourself. Second, invest in quality chocolate and quality wine. It might seem obvious to some, but I can’t tell you how many people want an out of this world pairing, but are using grocery store cheap chocolate and bottom shelf wines. Now I’m not saying this isn’t a FUN combination and one I absolutely encourage at Halloween, but for a truly memorable “experience” quality counts.
Alright, let’s get this party started!
1) White Chocolate with fruity white like a Sauvignon Blanc with lots of character. Want to swoon with the pairing? Add nuts to the chocolate! (Try Vivác Gruner, Chard or dry Riesling)
2) Milk Chocolate with light bodied reds like a juicy Pinot Noir. Want to swoon with the pairing? Add rich caramel! (Try Vivác Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo)
3) Dark Chocolate with fruity bold reds like Merlot. Want to swoon with the pairing? Add spice like red Chile powder! (Try Vivác Abbott Merlot, Aglianico or Diavolo)
4) And a great way to always win is to pair the chocolate with port! Want to swoon with the pairing? Add cheese! Yes, add cheese, preferably a hard aged flavorful one like aged white cheddar or Parmesan. (Try Vivác Amante port style wine)
Is that it you ask? Well, we could get into a bunch of nuances, but this is a great way to cheat your way into looking like a pro. Want to dive deeper? I gave a Master class on redefining chocolate and wine pairings at the American Wine Society National Conference this past year. I lead participants through the WHY of these powerful endorphin releasing substances and how they effect your brain on their own and then in combination. Adding a 3rd element not only delights your palate, but these combinations can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), alleviates pain, produces feelings of bliss and even love!
