Wine with chocolate is a longtime favourite of mine. The question is, which wines go best with each type of chocolate?

Some general guidelines include matching the wine’s intensity to the chocolate. A rich, dark chocolate needs a bolder wine than a gentle milk chocolate. Acidity in the wine can help cleanse the palate and prevent the chocolate from being too overpowering.

Wine that has been slightly chilled will help prevent any bitter overtones in chocolate. If the chocolate is sweeter than the wine, it will help reduce any bitter or sour notes that may be present in the wine.

When having dark chocolate, oak-aged red wines are a good choice. Such wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Barolo or a Bordeaux blend. Dessert wines such as Port, Sherry, Banyuls, a French fortified dessert wine, or Madeira, a fortified Portuguese wine, are also good options. The boldness of these wines goes well with the strong, often somewhat bitter flavours of dark chocolate.

Milk chocolate is complimented by fruity wines having less tannins such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. Sweet white wines like Gewürztraminer or Moscato d’Asti are also good choices. The sweetness of milk chocolate pairs well with these sweeter wines.

White chocolate and sweeter white wine are a good combination. White wine options include Riesling, Moscato d’Asti or a sweet Rosé. The sweetness and buttery notes of white chocolate are heightened by the sweetness and floral notes of these wines.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment with your own combinations and discover your personal favourites.

Sláinte mhaith