The perfect indulgence - chocolate and wine, does that go together?
Chocolate and wine, two stimulants that at first glance tend to be consumed separately. But the combination of chocolate and wine is becoming more and more popular and is also recommended by experts in the two fields. As a chocolate company, this question also concerns us. In this article we will find out which types of chocolate harmonise best with which wines. We will also give you a guide on how to plan your own chocolate and wine tasting!
Why enjoy chocolate and wine together?
Chocolate and wine are two products that actually complement each other perfectly. Both have complex aromas and flavour profiles that can be enhanced by pairing them together.
The flavour of chocolate is influenced by many different factors, such as the type of cocoa beans, the processing or the addition of sugar or milk powder. Most chocolates have a certain bitterness, as well as a fruity-nutty aroma.
With wine, factors such as the grape variety, soil conditions and the type of fermentation play a role. Red wine is often dry and has a strong flavour, while white wine is lighter and fruitier. Again, there are many different flavours such as berry fruits, citrus fruits or spices.
The tannins and acidity of the grapes in the wine can balance the bitterness of the chocolate, while the sweetness of the chocolate can round out the taste of the wine. So the combination of chocolate and wine can lead to a more intense taste experience.
The right combination
What you should pay attention to: The flavours of the chocolate and the wine should harmonise and not overpower each other. The structure should also be right - a heavy red wine goes better with a strong chocolate than a light white wine. In addition, you should make sure that the sweetness of the wine matches the sweetness of the chocolate.
Dark chocolate and red wine
Dark chocolate goes best with stronger and tannic red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The bitterness of the chocolate harmonises with the tannins in the red wine and enhances the flavour. These wines have enough power to compete with the intensity of the chocolate and bring out their own aromas and flavours.
Milk chocolate and white wine
Milk chocolate has a softer and creamier taste compared to dark chocolate. A light white wine such as a Riesling or a Chardonnay is a good choice. The sweetness of the milk chocolate is balanced by the fruity taste of the white wine. Make sure the white wine is not too dry so as not to mask the flavour of the milk chocolate.
Which fairafric chocolates go with which wine?
43% chocolate with milk and fleur de sel
The fine salt gives the chocolate variety a distinctive note that goes well with a light red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a fruity white wine such as a Riesling. The salt content in the chocolate can bring out the fruity and floral flavours of the wine.
80% Dark Chocolate with Fleur de Sel
The combination of dark chocolate and salt with a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot creates an intense taste experience. The bitter note of the dark chocolate and the fine fleur de sel can harmonise well with the tannins and fruity taste of the wine.
43% chocolate with milk and hazelnut
The fairafric milk chocolate with hazelnut goes well with a medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a fruity white wine like a Chardonnay.... The hazelnuts in the chocolate enhance the fruity flavours and acidity of the wine.
70% dark chocolate with tiger nut and almond
Here you get the full load of nut: tiger nut and almond. Red wines like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah have powerful flavours that can stand up to the intensity of the nutty taste. In addition, the tannins in these wines help to break through the full-bodied flavour of the chocolate and create a balanced taste experience.
57% Dark Chocolate with Baobab and Moringa
The fruity taste of this variety makes the bar a unique highlight in the fairafric range. Wines such as Syrah or Shiraz, which carry aromas of blackcurrant, pepper and herbs are a good choice here, as they harmonise perfectly with the earthy and fruity notes of the chocolate.
For those who prefer white wine, we recommend Chardonnay. This wine often embodies flavours of green apples, citrus fruits and nuts.
Chocolate and wine tasting
Would you like to experience the variety of aromas and flavours at a private chocolate and wine tasting? Then we have a step-by-step guide for you here:
- Selection of chocolate & wine: Make sure the chocolates have different varieties and cocoa percentages and the wines have different flavour profiles.
- Preparation: Also have water and neutral bread pieces ready to neutralise the palate. Cut the chocolate into small pieces and pour the wine into the glasses. If you want to write down your impressions, add a notepad and pen.
- Chocolate evaluation: Look at the chocolate and sniff the piece. Do you recognise a particular aroma? Take a bite and let it melt slowly in your mouth. Pay attention to the texture, melting behaviour and taste.
- Assessing the wine: First smell the wine and notice the aromas. Take a small sip and let it slosh back and forth in your mouth. Can you recognise all the flavours?
- Combination of wine and chocolate: Take another sip of wine and then a small bite of chocolate. Let the flavours and textures of the chocolate melt in your mouth and listen for new flavours that emerge.
Assess the pairing: did the flavours complement each other or did one overpower the other? Did the texture of the chocolate and the wine go well together?
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of wine and (fairafric) chocolate. Remember: the most important thing about tasting wine and chocolate together is that you have fun! Enjoy the experience and let your taste buds guide you!
