Chocolate Wine Pairing

Fine wine and luxury chocolate are two things people really appreciate in this world, but pairing them together can be tricky. Just like cheese and meat pairings with wine, there is also an art to pairing chocolate with wine to create the right blend and balance. Both wine and chocolate have unique flavor profiles as they contain flavanols, as well as different levels of acidity and sweetness. However, due to the large variety of natural aromas and flavors present in the tannins, not every wine pairs well with every type of chocolate. If you eat dark chocolate with a dry red wine, for example, the combined levels of tannins in both can cause an unwanted bitter taste. The same goes for wines and chocolates which are both too sweet. Here at La Maison du Chocolat, we take chocolate seriously, so our experts have compiled the best wine pairings with chocolate so you can experience the pleasures of both at the same time. Read on to discover the most delicious pairings and make your next wine and chocolate evening one to remember.  

Deeply dark and delicious, red wine does have a little residual sugar and a fuller body than other types of wine, so when paired with a darker chocolate, it can produce a sour taste with bitterness. Red wine pairs best with milk chocolate, so opt for a classic treat combined with a Malbec or a Zinfandel where the fruitiness and a touch of spice can bring out the flavors of the chocolate and vice versa. If you do love red wine and dark chocolate combinations, opt for something to counteract the bitterness, such as a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s generally okay to enjoy a red wine combined with a dark chocolate dessert that has been sweetened, such as a French chocolate mousse. Discover more chocolate Christmas dessert recipes to pair with a classic red over the festive season.  

Light and refreshing with hints of summer fruits, white wine has the potential to elevate the flavors of certain chocolates. With a zesty profile, white wine pairs well with white chocolate as well as flavored milk chocolates. Wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc offer a creamy experience when paired with white chocolate or salted milk chocolates. If you want to combine the fruitiness of chocolate sensations like orange, then opt for a traditional wine such as a low-alcohol Pinot Grigio or even a fizzy Champagne. Dry white wine is also ideal for enjoying chocolates with caramel notes, as the slight bitterness cancels out the sugary sweetness. Bear this in mind when you give a Christmas chocolate gift basket or Christmas assorted chocolates, as a bottle of perfectly paired wine will enhance their experience.  

The sweetness of dessert wines like those made with Muscat grapes can work both ways. Not only can you take things dark and dreamy with a chocolate pudding, but you can also lighten up the pairing with milk chocolate. Late-harvest Riesling can take on a spicy profile, which is perfect to balance the nuttiness of truffle and the smoothness of ganache. As a general rule, the wine should be sweeter than the chocolate you’re eating when pairing a dessert wine. This sweeter wine also goes well with chocolate containing fruit pieces or nuts such as pistachio and almonds or a subtle nutty finish. When you learn more about the history of chocolate, the origins of the chocolate can affect the flavor profile which can affect how it is paired. If you’re pairing a dessert wine at a dinner party with some chocolate gifts for everyone to enjoy, pour a small glass first and check the pairing. When you intend for a delightful chocolate and wine sharing session at the end of a meal or relaxing with friends, remember the following advice to create the perfect experience.  

When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, there are a few things that you should remember before you open that indulgent box of Christmas chocolate gifts or make a chocolate dessert. If you are pairing wine with a dessert try it with a chocolate mousse. If you have other items on the table too, such as fruits, nuts or pralines, think about a sweeter Zinfandel over a dryer Pinot Noir so they can complement the flavors rather than overpowering them.  

If choosing a darker chocolate, something intense with more than 50% cocoa solids which will match with fortified wines such as Port. With milk chocolates, try to pair something sugary with a lighter wine which has equal or more sweetness. Save your white chocolate for late-harvest dessert wines or a sparkling treat like Prosecco, rosé, or Champagne. When you choose a La Maison du Chocolat gift box to enjoy, think about your wine pairings at the same time to create the perfect match for your individual and unique flavor palette, style, and experience.