7 Wine and Chocolate Pairings You *Need* to Know
Because we love you and want you to be happy.
Chocolate. Wine. Two of the greatest things in existence. (If you're one of the people who doesn't like chocolate, you're the reason I have trust issues.) So what happens if you put the two together? Magic, that's what. (Oh, and probably a chocolate-stained wine glass.) We went ahead and did the dirty work for you, so you can get to eating and drinking and eating some more. You know what—you should probably go ahead and break out the cheese while you're at it.
A nice chardonnay (or a sparkling wine, like a Crémant de Bourgogne) goes fantastic with white chocolate or a chocolate-covered fruit, like a chocolate orange or chocolate-covered cherries. The crisp, citrus flavors let white chocolate shine—and fruit with fruit is kind of a no-brainer.
Recommended wine: JJ Vincent et Fils Brut Sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne
Basically, anything chocolate with nuts pairs well with an awesome Pinot Noir—so think Snickers or a Mr. Goodbar. "The ripe, red fruit, lighter body, and silky tannins of a medium-bodied Pinot Noir works well with smooth milk or dark chocolate and nutty flavors," say the experts at Josh Cellars wine. Hob Nob wine experts agree, and say that the saltiness of the nuts bring out rich flavors from the Pinot. The experts at Chelsea Wine Vault agree x 3, and recommend hazelnut truffle squares (like these from Li-Lac Chocolates) because, you know, you already ate your jar of Nutella.
Recommended wines: Pacifica, Evans Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012; Josh Cellars Pinot Noir; Hob Nob Pinot Noir
A dark chocolate treat (like this one) pairs well with a smoky Shiraz, according to the experts at Chelsea Wine Vault. "Dark fruits and an oak finish pair well with the cocoa and almond."
Recommended wines: Kilikanoon, Shiraz "Killerman's Run" 2013
"Refreshingly sweet without being sickeningly so, brachetto pairs well with dessert, but especially milk chocolate," say the experts at Chelsea Wine Vault.
Recommended wine: Icardi Brachetto "Suri Vigin" 2013
Big tannins in a Cabernet Sauvignon stand up to the semi-sweet bitterness of dark chocolate while the ripe, berry flavor of the Cab is brought out by the raspberry.
Recommended wine: Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
The medium-bodied wine makes the perfect companion to Hershey's kisses—melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Recommended wine: Josh Cellars Merlot
Hob Nob recommends pairing their "Wicked Red Blend" with M&Ms. "Notes of hazelnut and mocha from the wine pair perfectly with these chocolate bite-sized favorites."
Recommended wine: Hob Nob Wicked Red Blend
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