Single? In a relationship? Not sure? Whatever your relationship status is, a little wine and chocolate this Valentine’s day is a great way to make this one a great one! I love wine and chocolate individually. However, put the two together and you have something fabulous! With Valentine’s Day this week, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to share my top five favorite wine and chocolate pairings!
- CHAMPAGNE OR SPARKLING– The acidity of the Champagne cuts through the fat in the chocolate creating a smooth texture. Sparkling wines usually have a nutty or toasted note to them. For this reason, I suggest pairing sparkling wine with chocolate that has some type of nut in it which will enhance these flavors. Try J Vineyards Brut Cuvee 20 from Russian River Valley for a classic sparkling wine made in the Champagne method. Bubbles are also celebratory which make this pairing even more enjoyable for any special occasion.
- BRUT ROSE– Chocolate covered strawberries anyone? Just like we love the taste of chocolate combined with strawberries, drinking a brut rose with chocolate will give you the same incredible flavors! Dried strawberry and raspberry notes make brut rose a delicious pairing with milk or dark chocolate. Get crazy and try some with chocolate covered strawberries! Did I mention it also happens to be pink which is the perfect color for Valentine’s Day? I suggest the J Vineyards Brut Rose from Russian River Valley.
- CABERNET SAUVIGNON– Pairing like with like on this one. The tannins in both chocolate and Cabernet pair well together and bring the fruit flavors of the wine forward. A lot of times we don’t think of a still red wine as something to be enjoyed with dessert, but trust me on this one! One of my favorites is Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This wine has a hint of vanilla on the finish. Why have only chocolate when you can have vanilla AND chocolate, right?
- ZINFANDEL– Zinfandels can vary drastically, however, they tend to be more fruit forward. Think of cherry and a hint of spice. Pairing a Zinfandel with chocolate is like having one of the best chocolate covered cherries you’ll ever have! Try Bear Flag Zinfandel from California.
- RUBY PORT- One of my favorite things in life is a good ruby port and some chocolate! Pair with milk chocolate for more sweetness and dark chocolate for something a little more mellow, but equally as delicious! Just a few sips of port and small bites of chocolate will be sure to make this Valentine’s Day incredible! Two of my favorites are Graham’s Six Grapes and Quinta Do Noval Black.
Let me know what your favorites are! If you watching your calories, choose darker chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa to reduce the amount of sugar. Lily’s brand chocolate bars are some of my favorites. They are sweetened with Stevia instead of sugar which makes for a healthier option.
Whether you enjoy some wine and chocolate this Valentine’s Day or not, I hope you give so much love out to the people in your life and that you receive love in return as well. Sending you so much love your way this week!
XOXO,
Kathleen Jane
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