Chocolate and wine are two of life’s greatest pleasures, but their pairing has been controversial for a long time due to their intense flavours and complexity. Even today there are some who resist the idea of wine and chocolate pairing, but as long as you choose the right chocolate with the right wine, it can be a remarkable pairing opportunity. So, these are few pairing tips to keep in mind.
For a good match, the intensity of both the chocolate and wine should be taken into account. Try to match lighter and more elegant flavoured chocolates with light-bodied wines.
Also, make sure that you don’t choose the full-bodied, dry red while with dark chocolate because of the tannin overload which can result in bitterness.
• Chardonnay pairs well with white chocolate with almond and milk chocolate.
• Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with semi-sweet chocolates and chocolates filled with cardamom.
• Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon pair with bitter chocolate, bitter chocolate with walnut or even chocolates with a taste of coffee.
• Syrah goes well with nougat, bitter chocolate and also with Pasilla Chile chocolate.
• Merlot and strawberries and cherries covered with chocolates make a good match.
However, nothing is preventing you from experimenting and find combinations that will surprise you. In the end, personal palate profiles can vary from person to person.
