You might have heard that it is very difficult to pair wine and chocolate. While this is true to a certain extent, it is not impossible. There are some types of wine that are a wonderful companion for your favourite chocolate. Here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Sweet varieties

Chocolate is, quite obviously, sweet which means that you should choose a sweet wine too. If you choose a dry wine, for instance, the flavours will certainly clash with one another. Some of the best options when pairing wine and chocolate include Port or a bottle of sweet sparkling wine.

Matching strength

The trick is to find a bottle that is sweeter than the chocolate you have selected. Otherwise, the sweetness of the chocolate will overpower the wine. So, the sweeter your chocolate, the sweeter your wine will need to be in order to ensure that you truly enjoy the combination.

Perform taste tests

When pairing wine and chocolate, the best approach is to try some combinations yourself. Choose some of your favourite bottles of sweet wine and select your favourite types of chocolate. Try them together and don’t be afraid to mix up the combinations to see which ones work best. It is also important to clear your pallet in between tastings so that your senses do not become confused. You can take a sip of some water and smell some coffee beans just to neutralise any flavours.

Remember, it’s not just about the right pairing but also the quality of the products you choose. If you try to pair a luxurious bottle of Port with some cheap chocolates, it most likely will not go down well. You need to ensure that the chocolates you choose are just as luxurious as the bottle you pair them with.