Chocolate and Wine -- They Were Meant To Be
In life, there are just certain things that go together perfectly. Long walks and the beach, winter nights and blazing fireplaces, and, of course, chocolate and wine. The only challenge is that it can be hard to figure out which chocolates go with which wines. After all, you probably don’t want to pair a rich, red Bordeaux with a box of milk chocolate truffles. If you’ve been wondering which chocolates go with which wines (and why chocolate and wine make for the perfect romantic encounter), the answers await you…
When it comes to pairing wine with chocolate, a simple rule of thumb to follow is to pair lighter wines with lighter chocolates and darker wines with darker chocolates. If you know nothing else about pairing chocolate and wine, this is a safe place to start. The stronger the chocolate, the darker the wine should be. For example, the darkest of dark chocolates (75-90% cocoa) could be paired with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon whereas a medium chocolate (40-50% cocoa) could be paired with a more delicate Pinot Noir.
Not unlike wine, chocolate also has distinct flavors that can be associated to the region it is originally from. The soil, air and water all make a difference in the flavor of chocolate. The type of bean, the drying and processing of it also affect its final flavor. No wonder chocolate and wine have been paired together so often throughout history.
But why do chocolate and wine make for the perfect romantic evening for two? Wine has long been associated with love. A romantic dinner is not complete without the perfect glass of wine. Chocolate, too, has long been associated with romance. A box of chocolates is the traditional Valentine’s Day gift, so it only makes sense that the two would come together in the ultimate romantic pairing.
Of course, while it is true that wine and chocolate are one of the most romantic pairings known to man, one must not overlook the fact that the wine and chocolates must be shared in the right environment and with the right person for you to truly enjoy the experience that chocolate and wine can offer. A candle-lit room or a night by the fireplace can provide the perfect environment for a romantic night filled with wine and chocolate. If you want to show that special someone just how much they mean to you, the combination of chocolate and wine presented in a romantic environment is a wonderful way to start.
