Wine Pairings

Chocolate and wine is one of the most sensual food pairings of human creation. But apart from chocolate's more familiar (and often wonderful) companions— Port, Madeira and a handful of other time-tested dessert wines and liqueurs— even dedicated chocophiles and passionate oenophiles who have long savored "chocolate and wine" have not always ventured this particular frontier of flavor exploration as fearlessly as they might.

This is beginning to change, as the rarefied company of connoisseurs— professionals and amateurs alike — swells with increasing numbers of "ordinary people" who are awakening to what can happen when chocolate and wine come together. As consumers become more sophisticated and discriminating in their chocolate tastes, they are becoming more aware of parallels in the complexities of the best wines and chocolate: The importance of varietal and regional considerations. The difference harvesting and production techniques make in the character of the final result. The importance of aroma and subtle fruit, nut and floral notes that can be found in the finest examples of each.

How To

Swirl, sniff and sip the wine first, as you normally would, to prepare the palate and experience the wine on it’s own. Before biting into the chocolate, break a piece in two, listening for a clean snap to be sure the bar is in proper temper. Sniff the chocolate and enjoy its aromas. Now, take a small bite of the chocolate, letting it melt only slightly. See if you can distinguish any fruit, nut or floral notes.

Finally, sip the wine again and swirl the two together in your mouth. What new tastes do you detect? There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to arouse the senses and enjoy.

CocoaVino wine & chocolate pairing parties are available in the New York City area.

For exploring at home, here are some of our favorite pairings:

Dark chocolate

Confections