TAYLORS WINES SHARE THEIR PRO TIPS FOR PAIRING CHOCOLATE AND WINE
Apr 03, 2023
TIPS FOR PAIRING CHOCOLATE AND WINE
Generally as a rule Merlot and Shiraz are soft, lighter tannic wines so they’re a good match with milk chocolate which is less bitter. Cabernet on the other hand is a more tannic wine, so it matches very well with dark chocolate.
When enjoying your wine with chocolate, pour the wine into a large glass and let it breathe a little prior to tasting, the contact with the oxygen will help it unfold its full potential. Swirl the wine and take in its aromas and have a small sip before tasting your chocolate.
When tasting the chocolate ensure it is at room temperature; never refrigerate chocolate unless in a humidity controlled wine fridge. Place the chocolate on your tongue and close your mouth, don’t chew it but let the chocolate melt for a moment.
Then you should taste your wine again and take note of how the taste structure of the wine and chocolate has changed and how they complement each other. Repeat it and indulge.
YOUR GO-TO CHOCOLATE AND WINE DUOS
Taylors Wines share their favourite chocolate and wine combos for the ultimate indulgence:
Taylors Pinot Noir Rosé with White Chocolate: The flavour of the white chocolate balances beautifully with the delicate floral and red berry fruit notes of a refreshing Rosé crafted in the Provence style.
Taylors Pinot Gris with Caramel or Milk Chocolate: The fresh pear and ginger spice characters of the Pinot Gris pair beautifully with a creamy milk chocolate with hints of caramel or dried fruit to balance the crisp flavours of the wine.
Taylors GSM or Merlot Paired with Toffee or Fruit & Nut Milk Chocolate: The juicy red cherry, and blueberry fruit characters along with a touch of cinnamon spice and soft, velvety tannins that will match superbly with fruit, spice and toffee flavoured milk chocolates.
Taylors Shiraz with Orange Milk Chocolate: A soft and “fleshy” shiraz with juicy red berry fruits, plum and spice, along with subtle chocolate, are heaven when combined with orange flavoured milk chocolates.
Taylors Malbec with Coffee Milk Chocolate: Intense dark fruit flavours of plum and cherry with mocha coffee and subtle spice are heaven for the tastebuds when paired with coffee flavoured milk chocolates.
Taylors Cabernet Sauvignon with Mint Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolates with mint flavours will bring out the mint aspect of a Cabernet Sauvignon while complementing the dark fruits and spice.
TIPS FOR TASTING CHOCOLATE AND WINE
1. Prepare Yourself
Ensure the chocolate is at room temperature; never refrigerate chocolate unless in a humidity controlled wine fridge. Pour the wine and let it breathe a little prior to tasting, the contact with the oxygen will help it unfold its full potential.
2. Taste the Wine
If possible use a large glass, swirl the wine, put your nose to the glass and take in its aromas. Have a small sip, close your eyes and try to memorise everything you can taste and in what order. Cleanse your palate with a glass of water between each wine.
3. Taste the Chocolate
Break of a bite sized piece of chocolate and take in its fragrance. A darker chocolate should smell slightly acidic, while milk chocolate has a sweeter caramel undertones. Place the chocolate on your tongue and close your mouth, don’t chew it but let the chocolate melt for a moment.
4. Back to the Wine
Taste the wine again, swirl it, and smell it. Has the wine changed? Has the chocolate? Take note of how the taste structure of wine and chocolate are complementing each other. Repeat it and indulge.
