Top Chocolate and Wine Pairings - Valley Wine and Liquor, Herkimer, NY, Herkimer, NY

Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate is a classic pairing with red wine due to its intense cocoa flavor. Look for dark chocolates with high cocoa content (70% or higher) to match the boldness of the wine.

Single-Origin Dark Chocolate: Chocolates made with cocoa beans sourced from specific regions, such as Madagascar, Ecuador, or Venezuela, offer unique flavor profiles that enhance the wine pairing experience.
Chili Dark Chocolate: A touch of spice can add depth to the pairing. Look for dark chocolates infused with chili peppers for a subtle kick that complements the wine's complexity.

We recommend pairing the richness of dark chocolate with Bound Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, an extraordinary wine that offers a symphony of intense dark fruit flavors. It opens with a powerful aroma of dark plum, cassis, blueberry, black cherry, and blackberry, and each sip reveals a complex and layered flavor profile that opens up to subtle hints of anise, juniper, and cedar. This wine leaves behind a polished and delectable aftertaste that lingers long after the last sip.

Milk Chocolate and Truffles

Red wine can sometimes overshadow milder chocolate, but it can still pair well, especially with lighter-bodied reds or those with fruitier notes. Opt for high-quality milk chocolate with a creamy texture and balanced sweetness.

Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate: The combination of sweet caramel, creamy milk chocolate, and a hint of salt create a harmonious contrast with the wine's acidity.
Hazelnut Milk Chocolate: Nutty flavors in the chocolate complement the fruitiness of certain red wines, adding an extra layer of complexity to the pairing.
Red Wine Truffles: Some chocolatiers create truffles infused with red wine, creating a seamless fusion of flavors that enhances the tasting experience.
Earl Grey Tea Infused Truffles: Earl Grey tea's floral and citrus notes can pair beautifully with certain red wines, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional chocolate truffles.

Enjoy these scrumptious treats with Casa Natal Red Blend Reserva, a luxurious Malbec-centered red wine blend with a silky texture that gracefully envelops the palate. You will love the succulent blackberry and blueberry flavors that complement the wine’s delicate mineral undertones. Balanced by medium tannins, Casa Natal Red Blend Reserva is a fantastic companion for lighter, sweeter, and creamier chocolate.

White Chocolate

Since white chocolate lacks the bitterness of cocoa solids found in dark chocolate, it pairs well with sweeter or lighter-bodied white wines.

Lemon White Chocolate: The bright citrus flavor of lemon can complement the acidity and fruitiness of certain white wines, creating a refreshing pairing experience.
Coconut White Chocolate: Coconut adds a tropical twist to white chocolate, enhancing the wine's fruity characteristics and providing a hint of exotic sweetness.
Fruit and Nut White Chocolate Bars: White chocolate combined with dried fruits and nuts can offer a textural contrast and complexity that pairs well with certain white wines. Look for artisanal bars with premium ingredients and balanced flavors. Consider flavors like pistachio-cranberry, rose petal, and passionfruit.

Complement the light, tropical, and floral flavors of white chocolate with Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier, an indulgent white blend that has a crisp and lively character that delights the senses. The first sip reveals an intoxicating bouquet of honeysuckle, lemon, lime, yuzu, and ginger spice.

After a few sips, the palate will welcome the zesty tang of lemon curd, lemongrass, ripe fig, honeysuckle, and melon. With a mid-palate viscosity that adds depth and dimension, this wine leaves a lasting impression, culminating in a clean and lingering finish.

Chocolate Infusions

Artisanal chocolate bars featuring smooth milk chocolate infused with dried strawberries and delicate rose petals offer a romantic and flavorful pairing with a good rose. The floral and fruity elements harmonize with the wine's aromatic profile, creating a memorable tasting experience.

We suggest pairing berry-infused milk chocolate with 19 Crimes Cali Rose, brimming with the luscious sweetness of ripe strawberries and the subtle hint of rose petals. As the aromas develop, this rose introduces the vibrant freshness of juicy raspberries, succulent strawberries, and the tang of red cherries, mellowed out by the silky mouthfeel and crisp aftertaste.

Handcrafted milk chocolate bars infused with fragrant rosemary and lavender provide a sophisticated and aromatic pairing with chardonnay. The herbal and floral notes of the chocolate enhance the wine's complexity, while the rich cocoa flavor balances the wine's sweetness.

To match floral scented chocolate, we recommend Les Allies Bourgogne Chardonnay, with its creamy honeyed undertones. This wine has notes of ripe pineapple, velvety vanilla, and delicate white flowers upon a backdrop of refreshing acidity. As the experience unfolds, subtle hints of herbs and minerals emerge, adding depth and intrigue to the wine's exquisitely crafted profile.

Wine and Chocolate Board

Creating a wine and artisanal chocolate board with red wine, white wine, and rose is a wonderful way to explore a variety of flavor combinations. Here's a guide to help you assemble a delicious and visually appealing board:

Wines

Red Wine: Choose a bottle of your favorite red wine with rich and robust flavors, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
White Wine: Select a white wine that is crisp and refreshing, such as a Viognier or Chardonnay.
Rose Wine: Opt for a rose wine with fruity and floral notes that isn’t too sweet.

Chocolate

Dark Chocolate: Include a variety of dark chocolates with different cocoa percentages to pair with the red wine. Look for artisanal options like single-origin dark chocolate or dark chocolate infused with spices like chili or cinnamon.
Milk Chocolate: Choose creamy milk chocolates to pair with the white wine. Look for artisanal milk chocolates with unique flavor combinations such as salted caramel or hazelnut.
White Chocolate: Select high-quality white chocolates with fruity or floral notes to complement the rose wine. Consider handmade white chocolates infused with raspberry, lemon, or lavender flavors.

Accompaniments and Edible Decorations

Fresh Fruit: Serve a selection of fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and apple slices to cleanse the palate between tastings and enhance the wine and chocolate experience.
Nuts: Include an assortment of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios to add crunch and texture to the board. Choose plain or lightly roasted nuts to allow the flavors of the wines and chocolates to shine.
Dried Fruit: Several wines have dried fruit flavors in them, so dried plums, apricots, apples, etc make lovely accompaniments to even the most intense red wines.
Candy: Caramel or vanilla-flavored candies, mints, or fruity gummies give a touch of whimsy to the board and allow guests a break from the intensity of the chocolate.
Novelty Items: While not strictly necessary, having a bowl of something salty, like pretzels or chips can help offset or reset the guests’ palate, allowing them to discover more chocolate and wine combinations.

Putting It All Together

Place the chocolates on the board, grouping them by type and flavor. Consider arranging them in a visually appealing pattern or alternating between dark, milk, and white chocolates. Arrange the fresh fruit, nuts, dried fruit, and candy condiments around the chocolates, creating a balanced and inviting spread. Incorporate small bowls or ramekins to hold the nuts and candy. Provide small labels or tags indicating the type of chocolate, wine, and other accompaniments to help guests navigate the board and discover their favorite pairings.

Pour glasses of red, white, and rose wine for each guest and encourage them to explore the different flavor combinations by pairing the chocolates with sips of wine. For those looking to replicate this sophisticated tasting experience at home or seeking advice on selecting the perfect bottle of wine to complement their chocolate choices, Valley Wine & Liquor is ready to assist. Visit us at 326 South Caroline Street, Herkimer, NY 13350, or browse our pairings online at www.shopvalleywine.com. For tailored advice on selecting the best bottle to suit your taste, contact us at (315) 867-5800. Our team is dedicated to enhancing your tasting experience with expert recommendations and a curated selection of wines perfect for any occasion.