Chocolate and Wine Pairing

Why do wine and chocolate go together?

Pairing wine and chocolate can create some of the most mouth-watering taste combinations you’ll come across. Although what ‘works’ and what doesn’t can be quite subjective, it’s always fun to experiment to your heart’s content and discover the partnerships between wine and chocolate that you like best. This pairing works so well because the oils and sugars in chocolate – whether white, milk or dark – are contrasted by (and sometimes complemented by) the flavours in the wine. Chocolate and wine also share certain ingredients – for example, chocolate also contains tannins, especially dark chocolate. In addition, cocoa beans are fermented too, like wine, in order to soften their flavours.

What kind of wine goes well with chocolate?

This can depend on several factors – in particular, how much of a sweet tooth you have. Some people prefer their wines to be sweeter than their chocolate – but others prefer the wine to contrast with the sweetness and give them a whole other set of flavours to experience. As with many things in life, it’s all about experimentation and having an open mind to find the best wine and chocolate pairings for you.

Is dark chocolate good with wine?

Yes, dark chocolate shares a number of flavour elements with wine (known as polyphenols) and the bitterness of it can provide a great balance to a well-chosen wine.

Red wines with fresh acidity can work well, as can sweeter and fortified wines such as Port. Check the cocoa percentage of your chocolate and choose wines with more intense flavours and less sugar, the more cocoa content your chocolate has.

What wine goes with white chocolate?

White chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa, but it does still have cocoa butter, sugar and milk in. It is usually light and creamy, so wines that are also light and sweet can cut through the chocolate and cleanse the palate – some Rieslings, for example, could work very well. Pinot Noir can also work – the creamy chocolate can really enhance the fruit flavours of the wine – similar to the way strawberries and cream work so well together as a dessert.

Our chocolate and wine recommendations

Should you pair wine with alcoholic chocolates?

Most chocolates which contain alcohol use either champagne or liqueurs – Grand Marnier, Dubonnet, etc. For the stronger liqueurs, wine may not be the best choice of accompanying drink. However, for lighter, more aromatic alcohol chocolates like Bolney’s Gin Truffles, you can drink the spirit itself alongside, to give a sweet twist to one of the nation’s most popular spirits.

Which wines don’t pair well with chocolates?

Dry red wines tend not to work so well with chocolate – it can cause an excess of tannins, especially with darker chocolates. But the best combination is really the one which gives you the most pleasure – there are no right or wrong answers if you enjoy it!

Best chocolate and wine gifts

We offer a range of unique gifts and seasonal treat ideas, including our Luxury Wine and Chocolate Gift Box, our Christmas Wine and Chocolate set, and our Gin and Chocolate Box – as well as many more savoury treats, vouchers, experiences and hampers.