Chocolate & Wine: A Perfect Pairing

There’s a reason chocolate and wine have fascinated palates for centuries. Both are complex, layered, and flavourful—but when paired thoughtfully, they create a harmony that’s greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re a dark chocolate fan or a dessert wine enthusiast, this guide reveals the secrets to crafting pairings that sing.

Finding the Perfect Chocolate and Wine Pairing

Chocolate and wine share a language of bitterness, sweetness, acidity, and texture. The key lies in balancing these elements: 

• Bitterness: High-cocoa dark chocolate (70%+) thrives with bold, tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or sweet Port wine, where tannins soften cocoa’s edge. 
• Sweetness: Milk chocolate’s creamy richness loves a Ruby Port or Amaro, whose caramel notes mirror its sweetness.
• Acidity: White chocolate, buttery and mellow, pairs beautifully with a zesty Moscato or effervescent Prosecco to cut through its richness. 

Flavour notes: Match or contrast?

Indulgence is an art—and with chocolate and wine, every bite and sip can be a masterpiece:

• Fruity Chocolate (think red berries or citrus zest): Pair with a jammy Zinfandel or crisp Riesling to amplify the fruitiness.
• Nutty Chocolate (hazelnut, almond): Complement with oaked Chardonnay or nutty Sherry for a layered finish.
• Spicy Chocolate (cinnamon, chilli): Try a peppery Syrah or smoky Malbec to mirror the heat.

How to taste like a pro?

• Start light to dark: Begin with white or milk chocolate, progressing to darker varieties. 
• Smell first: Inhale the wine’s aroma, then the chocolate’s. Notice overlapping scents.
• Sip, then nibble: Take a sip of wine, let it linger, then bite the chocolate. Let them mingle on your palate.
• Clean your palate: Sip water or nibble plain crackers between pairings.
• Focus on texture: Creamy chocolate? Try a silky Merlot. Crunchy bark? A sparkling Rosé adds contrast.

Share your favorite pairings in the comments or dare to experiment with a new combo? Let us know in the comments below.