While some might say that wine should be paired with savoury snacks, there are some sweet treats that can also highlight the flavours in various bottles. The key is finding the right match. Just like wine and meat, you cannot pair any bottle of wine with any type of chocolate. Here are some important points to remember about Merlot and chocolate pairing.

About Merlot wine

Merlot is one of the most popular types of red wine and it is known for its dark blue/purple colour. It is often associated with a blueberry. This win has softer tannins and a full flavour which are important when it comes to Merlot and chocolate pairing. Even when the wine is young, it is still extremely appealing to the senses and drinkable. It is also known for being one of the more affordable options when shopping for red wine.

Rich flavour

When you take a sip of Merlot, you will notice that it has a deep, rounded and fruity flavour. It is not particularly sweet but you will notice hints of berry, plum, currant and even vanilla at times. The grapes used for this wine are usually cultivated in in Bordeaux, Italy and California. It is a medium-bodied wine and it is lighter than a Cabernet. When it comes to food pairings, you can easily enjoy a glass of Merlot along with your grilled steaks, full-flavoured cheeses like blue cheese, lamb, veal, pasta, pork and so much more. It really is a versatile wine. You want to avoid pairing it with meats like chicken and fish.

Chocolate pairing

As for pairing Merlot and chocolate, you can enjoy it with milk and dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is sweeter while dark chocolate has more of a bitter flavour. There are semi-sweet varieties of dark chocolate so you don’t necessarily need to opt for the most intense slab on the shelf. It is a good idea to try a few slabs along with your next glass of Merlot. This way, you can find your own personal favourites according to your taste buds. Everyone is different which is why pairing ‘rules’ are not set in stone.

If you are looking for the perfect chocolate and wine gift for a friend or loved one, you should consider a hamper that includes a bottle of Merlot with luxury chocolates. When shopping for these hampers, you can rest assured that they have been paired according to the flavour of the wine and the intensity of the chocolate.