Pairing wine with chocolate may seem complex, but it's an unforgettable gastronomic experience when done right. The aromas of chocolate and the flavors of wine harmonize to offer a perfect balance between sweetness and intensity.
Why pair wine and chocolate?
1. Unique complementarity
Wine and chocolate share complex aromas, such as red fruits, spices and roasted notes.
2. A multi-sensory experience
Combining these two products allows you to explore a variety of textures and flavors, for a rich and original tasting experience.
3. A sophisticated wedding
These accords bring a touch of elegance to your meals or moments of relaxation.
The basics for pairing wine and chocolate
1. Harmonize intensity
A strong wine goes best with intense chocolate, while a light wine goes best with sweet chocolate.
2. Consider the softness
A wine that's too dry may seem bitter in the face of sweet chocolate. Choose sweet or slightly sweet red wines.
3. Respect the balance of flavours
Wine and chocolate shouldn't dominate each other. Each must complement the other.
The best wines to accompany chocolate
1. Sweet red wines
Slightly sweet red wines go well with chocolate.
- Examples: Banyuls, Maury, Recioto della Valpolicella.
- Pairings: Perfect with rich dark chocolate or intense chocolate desserts.
2. Sweet wines
Natural sweet or mellow wines balance the power of dark chocolate and add a touch of freshness.
- Examples: Sauternes, Muscat, Tokaji.
- Pairings: Ideal with chocolate ganaches or light mousses.
3. Sparkling wines
Sparkling wines add a lightness that contrasts pleasantly with the richness of the chocolate.
- Examples: Champagne demi-sec, Crémant rosé.
- Pairings: Perfect with milk chocolate or fruit desserts.
4. Sweet white wines
Sweet white wines complement soft, creamy chocolates without weighing them down.
- Examples: Gewurztraminer, sweet Riesling.
- Pairings: White chocolate or blond chocolate-based desserts.
Wine and chocolate pairings
1. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate, with its intensity and bitterness, requires a robust, structured wine.
- Examples of wines: Banyuls, Porto Ruby, sweet Malbec.
- Related dishes: Chocolate fondant, intense brownies.
2. Milk chocolate
The milder milk chocolate goes well with round, slightly sweet wines.
- Examples of wines: Maury, Crémant rosé, Lambrusco.
- Related dishes: Light mousse, caramel chocolate.
3. White chocolate
White chocolate, rich and sweet, goes well with mellow, fruity wines.
- Examples of wines: Muscat, Riesling, Gewurztraminer.
- Related dishes: White chocolate cheesecake, exotic fruit desserts.
4. Flavored chocolates
Spicy or citrusy chocolates require wines capable of enhancing their flavors without overpowering them.
- Examples of wines: Orange wine, Moscato d'Asti.
- Related dishes: Pepper bars, orange zest ganaches.
Wine and chocolate pairing mistakes to avoid
1. Ignore sugar content
Too dry a wine can make chocolate bitter. Choose wines with a slight sweetness to balance it out.
2. Forget the wine's acidity
A wine that is too acidic can unbalance the pairing. Choose round, well-balanced wines.
3. Neglecting chocolate intensity
A wine that is too light will be dominated by intense dark chocolate. Harmonize power levels.
How to organize a successful chocolate wine tasting?
1. Select your wines and chocolates
Choose from a variety of wines and chocolates to explore different pairings.
- Suggestions: A Banyuls for dark chocolate, a Crémant rosé for milk chocolate, a Muscat for white chocolate.
2. Prepare the right conditions
- Wine temperature: Serve sweet and red wines at around 16°C.
- Cutting the chocolates: Offer equal-sized pieces to make tasting easier.
3. Write down your impressions
Take notes on aromas, textures and harmonies to fine-tune your preferences.
Trends in wine and chocolate pairing
1. Experiments with natural wines
Natural wines, often fruitier and lighter, are gaining in popularity to accompany artisan chocolates.
2. Rise in flavored chocolates
Chocolates with spices, citrus or dried fruits offer new possibilities for pairing.
3. Thematic workshops
More and more wineries are offering workshops to discover innovative pairings.
Conclusion: the art of pairing wine and chocolate
Wine and chocolate pairing is a gourmet experience that delights the senses. By mastering the basics of dessert pairing and exploring sweet or mellow red wines, you can sublimate your tastings. Take the time to try out different combinations to find your favorites.
If you enjoyed this article, please read the following article "Understanding wine aging: tips for collectors", which may also be of interest to you!
