Nectars of the Gods – Wine and Chocolate.
These two delicacies go together more perfectly than you could ever have imagined! But there’s a fine balance in getting it right…
For wine buffs, see this as a challenge – let us know how you get on and what you think! For chocoholics, don’t be put off! Give it a go and do share your thoughts! Many of these are taste sensations…
Very Dark chocolate
| Fino sherry | Absolute black |
| Barolo/ Bardolino | Dark 70% |
Why we think they work:
These two wine options are far apart and may seem odd to be included in the same list as both complimenting very dark chocolate, but somehow the dryness of the reds and the sherry work. A sophisticated pairing, this…
54% Dark side
| Tempranillo, Grenache, Carmenere, Primitivo, Salice Salentino | Tiger Tiger truffles |
| Amontillado/ Oloroso sherry | Spice it Up (Dark spicy ginger)
Sea Dog (dark with salt and lime) Milk chocolate with chilli & lime
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Why we think they work:
A slightly lighter chocolate allows us to bring in some slightly spicier red wines, so the sweetness of the chocolate provides a slightly softer flavour to the wines. The Amontillado goes unsurprisingly well with some of the more savoury chocolates – think tapas!
Milk chocolate
| Merlot/ pinot noir | Milk chocolate with / American Idol truffles |
| Oloroso sherry | American idol truffles |
| A buttery white wine – oaky Chardonnay/ Sauvingon Blanc | Peanut butter truffles |
| Muscat/ Sauternes | Open sesame with milk chocolate |
| Pedro Ximenez | Milk chocolate with chilli & lime |
Why we think they work:
Again, the slightly dry but rounded red wine and sherry is balanced by the sweetness of the milk chocolate, but with the salty kick of the caramel in these truffles. Same with the buttery white wines, the saltiness helps to balance the level of sweet/ savoury. When we come to the dessert wines and Pedro Ximenez sherry, again, balance is the key.
White chocolate
| Champagne/ Prosecco | Strawberry champers truffles |
| Ice wine, Muscat | White chocolate
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Why we think they work:
Champagne and prosecco works well with some white chocolate as long as the sugar content is not too high. Our strawberry champagne truffles are not too sweet, so balance nicely with both drinks, whether white or rose. A sweeter or plain white chocolate works well with the usual dessert wines – and even a delicious ice wine, such as Tokaj.
Fruity chocolates
| Viognier/ Aligote | Space Hopper |
| Orange Muscat | Dark chocolate with Orange and Geranium / Space Hopper |
Why we think they work:
Here we’ve provided a couple of challenges for the wine drinkers among you, pairing our tantalising Spacehopper and orange and Geranium bars with a couple of dry whites. The citrus orange of the chocolates blend beautifully with the dry, but fresh flavours in the wines.
Do let us know if you agree/ disagree with us – or if you’ve got some suggestions of your own! Wine and chocolate pair beautifully for luxury corporate gifts. We’d love to hear your suggestions via Facebook or twitter.