The Ultimate Guide to Matching Chocolate with Wine for Hosting Holiday Gatherings

Introduction

For ages, chocolate and wine have delighted the taste buds of people from all walks of life, be they royalty or common folk. The tradition of combining these two luxurious items traces back to the Maya and Aztec civilizations, who were the first to cultivate cocoa beans. As time went on, chocolate made its way to Europe through explorers. Intertwined with the wine culture, resulting in a divine culinary pairing. During the holiday season when spirits are high and gatherings are intimate, pairing chocolate and wine becomes a ritual that enhances the ambiance with their intricate flavors and rich histories.

1.Dark Chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon

Ingredients:

• 70% dark chocolate,
• a bottle of full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.

Instructions:

• Break the dark chocolate into small pieces.
• Pour yourself a glass of wine.
• Take a bite of chocolate allowing it to slightly melt before savoring it alongside sips of wine.

Tip;

Opt for a robust tannin wine that complements the bitterness of dark chocolate.

2.Milk Chocolate and Merlot

Ingredients:

• Milk chocolate,
• a bottle of Merlot.

Instructions:

• Present squares of milk chocolate alongside a glass of Merlot.
• The wine’s smooth and fruity flavors will beautifully complement the texture of the chocolate.

Recommendation:

Look for a Merlot that has a velvety and soft texture to ensure a mouthfeel.

3.White Chocolate and Riesling

Ingredients:

• White chocolate,
• a bottle of Riesling.

Instructions:

• Pair the buttery white chocolate with a chilled glass of Riesling.
• The wine’s acidity and fruity notes will balance out the richness.

Tip:

Opt for a Riesling to counterbalance the sweetness of the white chocolate.

4.Peppermint Chocolate and Zinfandel

Ingredients:

• Peppermint chocolate,
• a bottle of old vine Zinfandel.

Instructions:

• Indulge in the minty goodness of this chocolate along with a glass of Zinfandel.
• The wine’s peppery undertones and berry flavors perfectly complement the mint taste.

Tip:

Choose a Zinfandel that has nuances to match the kick of peppermint.

5.Sea Salt Chocolate and Syrah

Ingredients:

• Sea salt-studded chocolate,
• a bottle of Syrah.

Instructions:

• Pair this savory and salty chocolate with a glass of Syrah.
• The smoky notes in the wine wonderfully enhance the flavor profile of sea salt.

Tip:

Select a Syrah that has mineral hints to echo the crispness found in sea salt.

6.Chili Chocolate and Malbec

Ingredients:

• Dark chocolate infused with chili,
• a bottle of Malbec.

Instructions:

• Indulge in the spicy chocolate while sipping on a glass of Malbec.
• The rich fruity flavors of the wine will help balance the heat from the chili.

Tip:

Look for a smooth tannin Malbec to complement the spiciness.

7.Orange Chocolate and Moscato

Ingredients:

• Chocolate with a hint of orange flavor,
• a bottle of Moscato.

Instructions:

• Combine the citrusy chocolate with a Moscato.
• The sparkling nature of the wine will enhance the orange aroma.

Tip:

Opt for a slightly effervescent Moscato to add some festive flair.

8.Hazelnut Chocolate and Port

Ingredients:

• Milk chocolate infused with hazelnut,
• a bottle of Tawny Port.

Instructions:

• Indulge in the chocolate alongside a glass of rich Port.
• The caramel notes in the wine will echo the flavors of hazelnuts.

Tip:

Choose a Tawny Port that complements and enhances the flavor profile of hazelnuts.

9.Raspberry Dark Chocolate and Pinot Noir

Ingredients:

• Dark chocolate filled with raspberry,
• a bottle of Pinot Noir.

Instructions:

• Pair up raspberry filled chocolate with a light bodied Pinot Noir.
• The subtle, earthy tones in the wine will elevate the berry flavors.

Tip:

• When looking for a Pinot Noir try to find one that has hints of fruit flavors.
• This will nicely match the sweetness of the raspberry.

10.Coconut Chocolate and Gewurztraminer

Ingredients:

• Coconut dark chocolate,
• a bottle of Gewurztraminer.

Instructions:

• Indulge in the taste of coconut chocolate while sipping on Gewurztraminer.
• The wine’s notes of lychee and rose will beautifully complement the coconut.

Tip:

Choose a Gewurztraminer with a slight residual sweetness to match the richness of the chocolate.

11.Caramel Chocolate and Sauternes

Ingredients:

• Chocolate filled with caramel,
• a bottle of Sauternes.

Instructions:

• Relish in the gooeyness of caramel chocolate alongside a Sauternes.
• The wine’s honeyed sweetness will intensify the flavor of caramel.

Tip:

Opt for a Sauternes with good acidity to balance out the richness of caramel.

12.Espresso Chocolate and Barbera

Ingredients:

• Dark chocolate infused with espresso beans,
• a bottle of Barbera.

Instructions:

• Pair the boldness of espresso chocolate with a Barbera.
• The wine’s vibrant acidity will cleanse your palate.

Tip:

Look for a Barbera that has hints of cherry to complement the bitterness from espresso.

In conclusion

Pairing wine and chocolate is an art form that enhances both elements, creating a journey for your taste buds. During this holiday season, allow these combinations to take you and your loved ones on a journey. Each bite and sip will unveil a tale of cultures, skilled craftsmanship and joyful celebrations. Remember, the perfect pairings go beyond taste, they also bring joy and create cherished memories during your holiday get togethers. Here's to a season filled with treats! Cheers!