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
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for HerShe also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
-
Princess Eugenie Welcomes Second Baby
This name!
-
Finally, Stylish Summer Jewelry You Can Sweat, Swim, and Shower in
Waterproof pieces you can keep on all summer long.
-
Meet the Woman Blending the Traditional and the Modern in French Winemaking
How Florence Haynes combined the traditional and the contemporary for Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire.
-
The 10 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets
The nonstick pans, pots, and skillets that make cooking easy.
-
The Royal Family Shared the Recipe for the Queen's Favorite Boozy Christmas Pudding
The Royal Family Twitter account shared the royal chef's recipe for the Queen's favorite boozy Christmas pudding.
-
5 Best Soda Streams for Convenient Carbonation
Upgrade your sparkling water game with a Soda Stream carbonator that'll fizz up drinks in a flash.
-
3 Pro Tips for Putting Together the Best Bouquets
Essential advice for everyday enthusiasts and budding florists alike.
-
39 Super Easy Fourth of July Cocktails to Try
Forget the fireworks. The real show is what you can make with your bar cart.
-
15 Percent Pledge Calls On Stores to Dedicate Shelf Space to Black-Owned Businesses
"We must do better. So, we’re starting now."
-
The Power of 10 Restaurant Relief Effort Joins With Capital One
The collaboration has served 20,000 meals to frontline workers so far.
