Pairing dark chocolate with red wine can be a delightful experience, as the complex flavours of each can complement and enhance the other. Here are some general guidelines for pairing dark chocolate with red wine:
Consider the Cocoa Content:
Dark chocolate comes in various cocoa content levels. The higher the cocoa content, the more intense and bitter the chocolate. Match the intensity of the chocolate with the body of the wine. For example, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can pair well with dark chocolate that has a cocoa content of 70% or higher.
Pair Sweet Wines with Sweeter Chocolates:
If you're serving a sweeter red wine, such as a Port or a late-harvest Zinfandel, consider pairing it with a slightly sweeter dark chocolate. This can help balance the sweetness and create a harmonious combination.
Explore Flavour Profiles:
Pay attention to the flavour notes in both the wine and chocolate. For example, if you have a red wine with fruity notes, consider pairing it with dark chocolate that has fruit undertones. Similarly, chocolates with hints of nuts, spices, or berries can complement specific red wine flavours.
Tannins and Bitterness:
Red wines, especially those with higher tannins, can have a slightly bitter taste. Dark chocolate, with its bitterness, can complement and soften the perception of tannins. So wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends are suitable for pairing with dark chocolate.
Avoid Overly Dry Wines:
While tannins can work well with dark chocolate, extremely dry red wines may not be the best match, as they can overpower the chocolate's flavours. Consider wines with a good balance of fruitiness and tannins.
Temperature Matters:
Serve both the red wine and dark chocolate at the appropriate temperatures. Red wine is typically served at room temperature or slightly below, while dark chocolate can benefit from being slightly warmed. Adjusting the serving temperatures can enhance the overall tasting experience.
Experiment and Personalize:
These guidelines are a starting point, but personal preferences play a significant role. Feel free to experiment with different wine and chocolate combinations to discover what you enjoy most. Try various types of dark chocolate with different red wine varieties to find your perfect pairing. The goal is to create a harmonious balance where neither the wine nor the chocolate overpowers the other, leading to a delightful tasting experience.
Like the Dark & Decadent bundle at the Kurated store
Handpicked to tease the discerning palate, this trio of delights includes the illustrious L’Eclat du Chateau L’Epron 2019 Red Wine, Domori Maxi Giandujotto, and the Domori Cofferet 30 Napolitains. Together they are an unapologetic celebration of the good things in life. A waltz between the finest ingredients and the careful attention of its crafters.
The full-bodied L’Eclat du Chateau L’Eperon 2019 Red Wine boasts an elegant aroma and robust flavour bound to leave you craving for more. But before you take your next sip, you might want to unwrap the Domori Maxi Giandujotto and get wrapped in its luxurious, velvety darkness. A blend of fine cocoa, fleur de sel, Piedmont hazelnuts and Haitis vanilla richness made to melt and warm the cockles of your heart. Is this the darkness of this decadent bundle? Is it really darkly, deliciously and sinfully divine?
There’s only one way to find out. Order the Dark & Decadent bundle from Kurated today!