Two of Our Favourite Foods: Pairing Wine with Chocolate

Most people love chocolate in any shape or form, and many of those same people also love wine. It’s no wonder that both are considered aphrodisiacs and contain antioxidants, but the big question is: can you really pair wine with chocolate?

While there are some basic guidelines to follow, pairing wine with chocolate isn’t as simple as it sounds. Both chocolate and wine bring their own intensity, which can sometimes clash on the palate. In general, milk chocolate pairs best with white wine, while dark chocolate is better suited to red wine. But then, things start to get a bit more complicated as both chocolate and wine come in so many varieties and flavours!

A Deep, Cocoa Dive into Pairing Wine with Chocolate

Experts suggest choosing a wine that’s slightly sweeter than the chocolate, much like when you pair a dessert wine with your pudding. But there are other delicious options too! Consider trying port, sherry, Madeira wine, or a sweet sparkling wine such as Asti.

If you’re indulging in semi-sweet milk chocolate, pair it with a light-bodied, balanced wine like a Riesling, where both will offer ripe fruit flavours that complement each other. The stronger the chocolate, the more full-bodied the wine should be. High cocoa content in chocolate tends to pair well with a Primitivo or a tannin-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. The higher concentration of cocoa creates a dry, tannin-like texture that, when combined with the tannins in the wine, helps to bring out more of the wine’s fruity flavours.

Let’s not forget white chocolate, which boasts mellow, soft, buttery flavours. A wine with similar notes, such as a smooth Chardonnay or even an English sparkling wine like Stanlake Brut, will be a perfect match.

Tips for Pairing Wine with Chocolate

When pairing wine with chocolate, start with lighter options and work your way to darker ones, keeping your palate balanced and allowing the sweet nuances to come through. And remember, everyone’s palate is different! The joy of pairing wine with chocolate is finding your personal perfect match. So, don’t be afraid to try various combinations and discover what works best for you.

At Stanlake Park, you can sample a variety of chocolates with your wine. My personal recommendation? Start with a glass of Hinton Brut, which complements any type of chocolate. Then, move on to the Madeleine with milk chocolate—it’s a delightful pairing. For white chocolate, the soft, buttery texture of King’s Fumé is a perfect match, while the low tannins and fruity flavours of The Reserve work wonders with dark chocolate.

Come and Learn More

If reading about pairing wine with chocolate has left you craving more, keep an eye out for one of Stanlake Park’s special Chocolate and Booze Tasting events. These events feature various chocolate pairings with wine, beer, and spirits, guided by experts to help you find your perfect match.

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