The Perfect Pairing: Wine & Chocolate
Few things in life are as indulgent and luxurious as the combination of wine and chocolate. Over the years, we’ve found that the sum is often greater than the parts—pairing the right wine with chocolate can elevate both, making the experience richer and more complex. And it doesn’t need to be reserved for a full dessert either; sometimes a square (or two) of chocolate with the perfect wine can feel just as indulgent.
Milk chocolate & wine: A smooth & silky match
Milk chocolate, with its creamy texture and moderate sweetness, pairs beautifully with wines that enhance its softer, sweeter flavours. The key is to choose wines that have balanced fruitiness without overwhelming tannins, allowing the chocolate’s silky texture to shine.
For a classic pairing, try the Braida Moscato d'Asti. The gentle sweetness and fresh, floral notes of this lightly sparkling wine from Italy lifts the creaminess of milk chocolate, creating a harmonious and refreshing finish. Its subtle hints of peach and elderflower add depth without overpowering the delicate flavours of the chocolate.
Alternatively, a Braida Brachetto d'Acqui brings a touch of romance to the table. With its soft fizz and fragrant red fruit notes—think strawberries and roses—it’s a playful contrast to the smooth, velvety texture of milk chocolate. The slight sweetness of this wine enhances the richness without becoming cloying.
Dark chocolate & wine: Bold & complex
Dark chocolate, with its intense cacao content and more pronounced bitterness, calls for wines that can stand up to its bold flavours. Full-bodied reds or fortified wines with deep, rich profiles tend to work best, allowing both the wine and chocolate to shine.
A fantastic option is the Corteforte Recioto della Valpolicella, a luscious wine from our top Amarone producer, made from partially dried grapes. Its dark fruit flavours—black cherries, figs, and a touch of spice—are the perfect match for the intense bitterness of dark chocolate. The wine’s sweetness balances the slight bitterness of the cacao, creating a luxurious, layered pairing.
For something a bit more unexpected, why not try pairing dark chocolate with the Blandy's Duke of Clarence Madeira? Richly sweet and bursting with dried fruits and caramel notes, adds a savoury sweetness that enhances the complexity of the chocolate. Together, they create a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and savoury—an unforgettable combination.
White chocolate & wine: Sweet & delicate
White chocolate, often the richest and creamiest of the chocolates, lacks the bitterness of cacao, making it a perfect match for sweeter wines with a fresh acidity to cut through the richness.
A delightful pairing is our Donzella from Suriol, a still wine from our boutique Cava producer. It offers vibrant acidity, notes of fresh citrus, and a light floral aroma that beautifully contrasts with the buttery texture of white chocolate, creating a refreshing and indulgent pairing.
Alternatively, try a Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Nino Franco. Its zesty green apple and pear notes, combined with lively bubbles, provide a crisp contrast to the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. The result is an elegant pairing that feels light yet luxurious, making it a wonderful choice for any occasion.
Chocolate with nuts or fruit: Enhancing flavour layers
When chocolate incorporates nuts, fruits, or caramel, it adds another layer of complexity to the flavour. Here, the wine pairing needs to bring out these additional elements without overshadowing the chocolate itself.
The Azul Ruby Port is a superb choice for nutty or fruit-filled chocolates. Its intense berry flavours and smooth texture complement the natural nuttiness of hazelnuts, almonds, or even caramel. The depth of this ruby port allows the subtle flavours in the chocolate to shine, while still holding its own.
For fruitier chocolates, consider a Monbazillac, such as our Domaine Grange Neuve. This French sweet wine, with its honeyed notes of apricot and peach, amplifies the fruity elements in the chocolate, creating a deliciously indulgent pairing. The wine’s acidity keeps it from feeling too heavy, making it the perfect match for chocolates with dried fruit or caramel accents.
Final thoughts: Experiment & enjoy
At the end of the day, pairing wine with chocolate is about finding balance and, most importantly, enjoyment. Don’t be afraid to experiment—start with some of our suggested pairings and let your taste buds guide you to your own perfect match.
