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Wine with Chocolate: Top Pairings to Try at Home

by Isabella Knack

 

 

Although you may not think that wine and chocolate go together, these two delicious and decadent treats can actually be a match made in heaven. 

 

Whether you love milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, full-bodied, light-bodied, or sweeter wine, there is something for everyone in the below chocolate wine pairing ideas. Plus, something for the beer and whiskey lover.

 

Plus, find out where to buy the perfect wine and chocolate pairing gift for someone who deserves a treat! 

 

Wine and chocolate pairing by Dallmann.

Milk chocolate 

If you love the smooth and creamy taste of milk chocolate, then you should opt for red fruit flavors that will balance this richness out. Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Merlot are both excellent options, especially if you like a nice glass of red wine with your dessert or a box of gourmet chocolates. Alternatively, a dessert wine can work well, or a Riesling or Muscat, which can both hold their own against the cocoa butter in milk chocolate. If you like milk chocolate that is flavored with fruit such as strawberries, then Champagne or other quality sparkling wines can also work. 

Dark Chocolate 

Dark chocolate is known for its slightly bitter taste, which can make it difficult to pair with wine. Ideally, you should opt for more full-bodied wine pairings that boast robust aromas and strong flavors. Zinfandels are a great choice, offering an abundance of fruitiness and a hint of spice. This wine also has higher alcohol levels which are perfect for cutting through bittersweet dark chocolates. Alternatively, a Cabernet Sauvignon and its full-bodied profile can be enjoyed with drier varieties of dark chocolate. 

White Chocolate 

White chocolate boasts a sweet and buttery flavor which means that it is perfectly suited to sweeter types of sherry, such as Pedro Ximenez Sherry from Spain. It also goes well with Moscato d’Asti, which delivers a delightful combination of bubbles and sweetness. On the other hand, if you are not a fan of sweet wines, then Zinfandel can also be paired with white chocolate with surprisingly favorable results. Although you may not think of this as a good chocolate wine pairing, these contrasting flavors are actually a bit of a taste sensation. 

Top tips for enjoying wine and chocolate 

If you are new to trying wine and chocolate together, then check out our top tips below to make sure you get the most from the decadent experience:

  • Keep an open mind. Sometimes chocolate and wine pairings that seem odd are in fact a perfect match. 
  • Cleanse your palette. If you are indulging in chocolate and wine pairing after dinner, make sure that you cleanse your palette first so that you can truly appreciate the flavors. 
  • Don’t forget the aroma. Always smell your chosen wine and chocolate before tasting, as this can help to ensure you get the best possible experience. 
  • Create your own perfect pairings. Create chocolate and wine pairings that work for you. Build your own chocolate gift box here. 

 

How to choose the right chocolate and wine pairing for you? 

When it comes to choosing the right chocolate wine pairing, it is important to remember that everyone’s palate is different. This means that what one person thinks works well, another will not like at all. 

 

If you are buying chocolate and wine for yourself, then a good rule of thumb is to go with what you like, both in terms of gourmet chocolates and wine, and then just see what works for you using the tried and tested techniques of trial and error. 

 

However, if you are looking to buy a wine and chocolate pairing gift for a friend or family member, it is a safer idea to go with one of the above recommendations to avoid any unpalatable combinations that will not go down well. 

 

Here at Dallmann, we are experts in all things chocolate and are standing by to make recommendations based on our years of experience and expertise. 

 

Find the perfect wine and chocolate pairing gift here and put a smile on someone you love’s face. 

 

Other types of chocolate pairings

  • Chocolate with nuts 

If you love chocolates that have nuts inside them, then you should look for a quality Madeira, Tawny Port, or Sherry. 

 

  • Chocolate with sea salt 

Chocolate and sea salt are the perfect match, with the salt bringing out the flavors of any quality chocolate. Pair with sweet white wines, a Zinfandel, or a Madeira.  

 

  • Chocolate with caramel 

Oh-so sweet and decadent, if you can’t get enough of chocolates that ooze caramel, then you need to pick up a sweet sparkling wine, a Tawny Port, or a PX Sherry. 

 

  • Chocolate with mint 

Cool and refreshing, mint has the ability to cut through the richness of chocolate and uplift your palate. In terms of mint chocolate wine pairing, go for a quality Cabernet Sauvignon, full-bodied Shiraz, or a sweet dessert red wine.  Feeling adventures or have a friend or partner that likes beer or whiskey. Don’t worry, besides wine and chocolate pairings, we also offer some of the best tips for pairing your chocolate with whiskey and wine below.

6 tips to pair beer and chocolate

If you want to move beyon pairing your chocolate with wine, then jump-start pairing chocolate with your favorite beers, then the below tips should be just the trick.

  • Be sure to balance sweet and bitter notes. Your beer should always be less bitter than your chosen chocolate.
  • Highly acidic beers do not pair well with most chocolates.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. If you have a favorite craft beer and a preferred chocolate, give them a go together.
  • Always ensure both your beer and chocolate are room temperature.
  • Stout beers pair well with higher percentage dark chocolate, whereas bitter ales like IPAs (India Pale Ale) are better suited with medium body dark chocolate.
  • If you find a white ale that isn’t too acidic, pairing it with chocolate that has citrus notes is a good complement.

 

6 tips to pair whiskey and chocolate

Not a big beer or wine drinker, or maybe this is gives you flexibility to stretch your tastebuds. Regardless, whisky, also known as Bourbon, which is made in the US, or Scotch, which is whisky made in Scotland, is loved by many. So if you are a fan of whiskey, then pairing whiskey and chocolate together is likely just the treat you’ve been looking for. Below are six tips to help you get started on your journey to becoming a whiskey and chocolate pairing master.

  • Ensure that both your whiskey and chocolates are room temperature.
  • Don’t add ice to your whiskey. Instead, add water if you want to dilute it.
  • Allow your chosen chocolate to melt on your tongue so that you can fully appreciate its flavor notes.
  • Medicinal-tasting whiskeys pair well with mint-flavored chocolates, whereas light and fruity whiskeys are better suited with nut-based chocolates.
  • Rich and robust whiskeys pair wonderfully with ginger.
  • Spicy scotches can be paired with bitter, dark chocolates for a complete taste explosion. 

Chocolate Tasting Events

If you’re interested in learning more about chocolate and pairings, consider a chocolate and wine tasting event with Dallmann. You and your friends can enjoy a virtual tasting event with either one of our expert chocolatiers, or our in-house sommelier who will guide you through our elegant chocolate pairings piece by piece and sip by sip.

 

About the Dallmann Fine Chocolates Family

Dallmann Fine Chocolates has a long and rich history producing the best chocolate in San Diego, but don't just take our word for it.

Dallmann was voted as one of the TOP best San Diego chocolate companies by Kev's Best, voted one of the best chocolatiers in San Diego by Red Tricycle, and rated one of the best places to eat chocolates in San Diego by Eater San Diego.

Our history is embedded in creating our rich chocolate and patisserie, and we use that to bring you the very best flavors and delights. From the smooth Ecuador truffle to the sweet rosewater caramel, our flavors are inspired by worldwide cuisine giving you the very best range of choices for your own gourmet chocolates. I hope you love my wine chocolate pairing box as much as I did making it for you!
 

Enjoy!

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