Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love and friendship than with a decadent pairing of delicious wines and exquisite chocolates?
Chocolate and wine pairing can be tricky. But when done correctly, you can create a delightful sensory experience! Here are some general rules to keep in mind:
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Match Intensity:
- Lighter chocolates pair well with lighter wines (e.g., milk chocolate with sparkling wine or a light Sauvignon Blanc).
- Darker chocolates pair better with fuller-bodied wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Port).
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Sweetness:
- Sweet wines often complement sweeter chocolates.
- Dry wines can work well with bittersweet or dark chocolate.
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Flavor Profiles:
- Match complementary flavors. For example, fruity chocolates pair well with fruity wines, while nutty chocolates can be enhanced by wines with nutty undertones.
- Consider contrasting flavors. The acidity in some wines can cut through the richness of the chocolate.
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Experimentation is key! The best way to find the perfect pairing is to try different combinations and see what you enjoy most.
And remember, these are just general guidelines. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wine and chocolate pairings. Have fun experimenting and discovering your own favorite combinations!
Recently, the Deep Roots team had a mouthwatering experience, exploring the unique flavors of three different chocolate creations from Cao Chocolates. Founded by visionary chocolatier Ricardo Trillos, Cao Chocolates is a celebration of pure indulgence. Using only the finest cacao beans, Ricardo crafts exquisite chocolates with a focus on quality and flavor.
It was a “tough job” finding the perfect wine pairings for each Cao Chocolate, but what an exciting challenge! We carefully considered traditional pairings, but also embraced unexpected discoveries. The results are truly harmonious – each wine complements the chocolate's unique flavors, creating a delightful and unforgettable experience. And as you can see, we selected some pairings that did not follow the rules!
- Pink splashed dark chocolate salted caramel & Love Oregon Rosé: The crisp acidity of this Rosé beautifully cut through the sweetness of the caramel and balanced the saltiness of the chocolate, while the delicate floral notes of the rosé complemented the subtle fruitiness of the pink salt.
- Milk chocolate with coconut cream rum filling & Flowers Chardonnay: The creamy texture of the chocolate and the subtle coconut notes found a perfect match in the buttery richness of the Chardonnay. The wine's crisp acidity provided a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the filling.
- Milk chocolate and dark chocolate ganache infused with coffee liqueur & Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese: The vibrant fruit flavors and lively acidity of the Sangiovese complemented the bittersweet notes of the dark chocolate and the coffee liqueur. The carbonic maceration added a playful effervescence that enlivened the palate.
Still unsure about sharing a wine & chocolate tasting experience with your Valentine? Don’t worry, you can ditch the guesswork and let the Deep Roots team do the work! We’re here to help make you a Valentine's Day hero!
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