Wine and Chocolate Pairings - Part 2
Both chocolate and red wine contain heart healthy antioxidants known as flavanols. Additionally, chocolate contains compounds that helps cause our brain to release serotonin hormones which can affect our mood in a good way - making us feel happy and comfortable. So fortunately, enjoying some chocolate and wine together can be a fun and healthy experience.
There are a few basic guidelines when pairing wine with chocolate which I've found make the nicest flavor combinations. Try your own pairings to see what works best for you. The basic idea is to keep the wine within the same sweetness range as the chocolate. In other words, combine light chocolates with lighter wines and darker chocolates with bold red wines. The one exception to this basic guideline is that when it comes to champagne, you pretty much can pair it with any type of chocolate.
Have lots of fun hosting your chocolate and wine tasting party this weekend. It's okay to eat too much chocolate, but don't drink too much wine or you may regret it in the morning. ;)
White Chocolate: Dessert Wines
Milk Chocolate (34% cocoa solids): Pinot Noir
Dark Milk Chocolate (41% cocoa solids): Merlot
Dark Chocolate (66% - 72% cocoa solids): Shiraz and Zinfandel
Extra Dark Chocolate (85% cocoa solids): Cabernet Sauvignon and Port