Truth be told, chocolate is best enjoyed with a tepid glass of water, because of its neutrality. But for you wine-lovers out there, the following provides a general guide for pairing fruit of the vine with beans of the tree.
In general, when pairing wines with chocolate, dark chocolate goes best with stronger red wines, while milk and white chocolate pair better with lighter reds and sweeter white wines.
►Dark Chocolate
Because of the intensity of its flavors, dark chocolate is best paired with stronger red wines with concentrated fruit notes. Try a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Muscat, Tawny Port, Ruby Port, or Cognac
►Milk Chocolate
The sweet creaminess of milk chocolate makes it a fine match for sweeter wines or cordials. Try a light-bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir, Muscat, Tawny Port, or Ruby Port
►White Chocolate
White chocolate's unique, nutty flavor pairs nicely with full-bodied sparkling wines or light dessert wines. Try an Eiswine, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sherry, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, or Sauternes
What about Champagne, you ask? Actually, chocolate and Champagne don't usually pair well, unless strawberries are involved.
No need to stop there.... Why not try pairing chocolate and wines with similar flavor profiles (nutty, fruity, spicy. etc.)? Or, see how contrasting flavors go together? The sky's the limit. As with food and wine matches, it’s really your own preference—and imagination—that count when pairing chocolate.
