Chocolate and Wine Pairings that will Surprise (and Seduce) Your Valentine

Natalie MacLean

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Valentine's Day

 

We paired wine and chocolate for Valentine’s Day the Sunday Sipper Club!

You can watch our Live Video Wine Tasting above — click on the arrow to play.

Join is for our next tasting this Sunday at 6 pm eastern right here:

www.nataliemaclean.com/live

Sip with you soon!



 

In this second Facebook Live Video Wine Tasting above, we also chat about pairing wine with chocolate for Valentine’s Day.

We’re joined by guest winemaker, David Guimaraen of Fonseca to help us get ready for the big day, as well by guests from Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut.

If you’d like to read 140 comments for this tasting, or make a comment yourself, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/natdecants/videos/10154811704614845/

 

You’ll find our most recent live video wine tasting here:

www.nataliemaclean.com/live

We taste every Sunday evening at 6 pm eastern so add us to your calendar and grab a glass of wine.

Click on the buttons for “Share” and “Like” on the page above to get notified when we go live.

 

Here’s a sampling of lively discussion from our tasting …

 

 Lynne Rennie · 55:35 Thank you Natalie, to Fonseca, and to everyone who attended tonight. Happy Valentines!
 Lou Michel · 2:23 Paradoja Wine’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec blend is Good with Dark Chocolat
 Jorge Ramos · 30:27 Reserve Ruby Port: In 2015, as we commemorated the bicentenary of the House of Fonseca, we also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the final engagement of the Napoleonic Wars, the Battle of Waterloo.
 Lynne Rennie · 32:50 All of the chocolates Natalie is enjoying tonight may also be purchased online for delivery at www.bernardcallebaut.com or found at retail stores across Canada.
Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut – Home
An assortment of our baking and snacking products are now available for purchase at all Western…
BERNARDCALLEBAUT.COM
 Lynne Rennie · 48:25 Our chocolate is also sustainable, made with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa and cocoa butter. It is fairly traded and certified sustainable to support farming communities in West Africa.
Cynthia Opsal · 19:28 Hello – I just tried last night for dessert a fig covered in dark chocolate sitting atop a raspberry ganache. Tasted it with Bin 27 and the pairing was wonderful – the chocolate really shown through.
Oenologize · 15:50 Fabio RM – I’ve found that a full bodied good quality Napa Cabernet goes great with a high cocoa desert like your mousse. The wine is dry, but the bitter finish of the wine matches beautifully to the high bitter Cocoa mousse!

Paul E Hollander · 0:00 Dinner is served! The video cast was interesting this evening, a great subject. I’ve seen the Fonseca Port at either our local wine shop or Costco. Will be getting a bottle soon. A very Happy Valentines Day to you.

Fonseca Port · 13:31 I agree with this pairing of Tawny Ports. A 10 or 20 Year Old Tawny is the one to go for in this case. The nuttiness of these Ports combine perfectly with the toffee flavours.
Fonseca Port · 35:58 All wood used to age Port is seasoned and reused for many years and does not pass oak flavor to our Ports as does a table wine. The wood confers a gradual oxidation to matured Ports.
Fonseca Port · 16:10 Yes at Fonseca we make a range of Tawny Ports that starts with the bottle of Tawny you just showed, and continues with the 10, 20 and 40 Year Old Tawny Ports
Fonseca Port · 42:04 Lisa try a Fonseca 20 year old tawny. This has aged in wood for 20 years, and will stay fresher for longer open in bottle the a young fruitier style port
Céline Ouellette Levo · 38:50 how long can you keep a bottle of port open and still have it be good to drink?
Cynthia Opsal · 26:44 Port glasses are a good size to use, but using a white wine glass will give you ample room in the glass to swirl and nose the port, which highlights the aromas.

 

 Lise Charest Gagne · 19:28 Is there a reason for the term Tawny in the name – genache is dark chocolate cream
 Lise Charest Gagne · 15:43 husband loves the salty caramels may i will surprise him but i need my choc strawberries
 Lise Charest Gagne · 6:51 choc covered strawberries are on my V day list what should i try – NOTE never had port EVER
 Lynne Rennie · 35:18 Only available at www.bernardcallebaut.com and in Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut stores across Canada.
 Lynne Rennie · 26:54 Hello from Calgary! Love the Mango Peppercorn with a full bodied port and a peaty scotch.
 Jorge Ramos · 55:44 Vintage Ports are bottled and released 2 years after harvest year.
 Cynthia Opsal · 54:19 tawny ports match well with nutty desserts so any chocolate with nuts like pistachios will be great.
 Jim Clarke · 23:17 Do ‘official’ port glasses make much of a difference in port tastes?
Jorge Ramos · 21:28 Nat, on the west coast – Vancouver – we have Cynthia Opsal – Fonseca’s Brand Manager for Canada!
 Ronald Vana · 8:32 fresh fruits like strawberry, pineapple and chocolate fondu and a sparkle wine
 Sharon Prionas · 3:16 I paired Jekel Pinot Noir 2014 with Lindt Blackcurrant Dark Chocolate and the wine really came alive!
 Cynthia Opsal · 49:59 Fonseca makes a ruby style port called Terra Prima which is organic. Both grapes & grape fortifying spirit are organic.
 Cynthia Opsal · 41:10 The wood aged ports can last for 4-5 weeks once opened. Tawnies can have some chill on it.
 Cynthia Opsal · 31:47 A vintage port will age approx 18 months in barrel and then into the bottle & spend their life in bottle aging.
 Cynthia Opsal · 31:09 LBV is a style that this is required to age a minimum of 4 years to a max. of 6 years and then must be bottled.
 Jorge Ramos · 16:39 Fonseca 10 & 20 Year Old Tawnies are available in Canada. Available through LCBO Vintages every so often…!
 Oenologize · 40:44 I have heard a rule of thumb. For tawny ports, they will last opened for 1 month for every 10 years of ageing (Ie 20 year old tawny lasts 2 months..)

 

 Oenologize · 35:26 I Love Tawny’s..and Colheita can be Great values, since most are as old as the 10, 20 year old tawnies, but much cheaper!

 

David Rough · 22:56 Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) with cherry infused dark chocolate!

 

 David Rough · 9:49 Receiving loud and clear again in England. You must try sea salt milk chocolate (Green & Black’s), paired with Tawny Port.
Terra Duchene · 23:00 I don’t know much about how port is made. Is fermentation stopped with a grape spirit? Or is it another spirit?
 
Fabio RM · 28:29 I will try Fonseca Port with Passion Fruit Chocolat Truffle … I think it will taste great !

 

 Fabio RM · 13:47 Hi Natalie. Would you recommend Port with a 70% Cocoa Mousse au Chocolat. What do you think?

 

 Céline Ouellette Levo · 44:58 White Lillet with the Rosemary Fusion… not the Red Lillet (I don’t know that one)

 

 Natascha Schwarzer · 53:53 Mainly making sure the chocolate is not way too much sweeter than the drink.

 

 Paul E Hollander · 0:00 Great time tonight. Need to get a port or two. Several years ago had a Zinfandel Port from Terra d’Oro in CA. Was very good. We do have a bottle of a 2009 Late Harvest Zinfandel from Dashe Cellars, CA. “Think roaring fire, chocolate truffles, sweet nothings”, says the bottle.
 Fonseca Port · 0:00 Thank you. Try our Ports in different combinations of chocolates and desserts, and you are sure to have an enjoyable experience. Goodbye from Portugal

 

 Fonseca Port · 54:56 Normally two years after the harvest, the Vintage are available in the stores

 

 Fonseca Port · 50:16 We have been practicing sustainable viticulture for many years. Your chocolates and our Ports are a good combination

 

 Fonseca Port · 32:19 LBV Ports are aged in large wooden vats between 10000 and 60000 liters. The slower maturation retains the fruit

 

 Fonseca Port · 30:52 We shared the same anniversary year with the battle of waterloo

 

 Fonseca Port · 29:22 The waterloo edition is in the style of Bin 27 and was especially bottled in our bicentenary year in 2015
 Fonseca Port · 27:01 The official Port glass is an improvement on the old small glasses, but a good wine glass is always a great glass to drink a Port

 

 Fonseca Port · 25:46 The fermentation’s stopped by adding neutral grape spirit to kill the yesat

 

 Fonseca Port · 24:19 Taylor Fladgate First Estate with chocolate cake with fresh rasberrys

 

 Lise Charest Gagne · 47:01 cabot trail maple cream would be delicious with any nut chocolates

 

 Céline Ouellette Levo · 20:09 Ganache is chocolate blended with a liquid – often cream

 

 Lynne Rennie · 50:54 We love Fonseca!

 

 Lise Charest Gagne · 49:56 can the reps online compare Port to Ice wine

 

 Cynthia Opsal · 54:19 Thanks Natalie, this was terrifc!

 

 Jane Staples · 19:37 butter, cream, heaven…

 

 Cynthia Opsal · 32:39 Yes it’s aged in wood and then into bottle
 Jim Clarke · 49:14 Drambuie with chocolate!
 Ronald Vana · 18:09 Any Fonseca in The Netherlands David?

 

 Jorge Ramos · 24:19 Correct, Quinta do Salgueiral in 1744!

 

 Céline Ouellette Levo · 49:59 pistachio
 Céline Ouellette Levo · 46:33 yes! maple

 

 Jim Clarke · 12:35 I prefer the Taylor-Flagate 10 year old…

 

Jim Clarke · 36:44 Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port for me!

 

 Céline Ouellette Levo · 35:30 apricot lavender
 Roger Caughell · 5:51 Amarone would go with corn flakes!

 

 Oenologize · 47:13 does ganache pair with grenache?
 Jane Staples · 13:15 Calem Tawny Port-yum!
 Natascha Schwarzer · 54:09 It gives the taste buds a shock
 Lou Michel · 48:20 That good with caramel
 Natascha Schwarzer · 36:37 Really nice with a rose
 Natascha Schwarzer · 46:46 Its maple whiskey ganache
 Natascha Schwarzer · 53:53 Mainly making sure the chocolate is not way too much sweeter than the drink.

 

Paul E Hollander · 0:00 Great time tonight. Need to get a port or two. Several years ago had a Zinfandel Port from Terra d’Oro in CA. Was very good. We do have a bottle of a 2009 Late Harvest Zinfandel from Dashe Cellars, CA. “Think roaring fire, chocolate truffles, sweet nothings”, says the bottle.
Fonseca Port · 0:00 Thank you. Try our Ports in different combinations of chocolates and desserts, and you are sure to have an enjoyable experience. Goodbye from Portugal
 Natascha Schwarzer · 38:25 Natural Orange Oil
 Cynthia Opsal · 21:12 Hi David – so happy to have you share your notes with us.
Jorge Ramos · 42:46 Chill tawnies. They benefit from being served slightly chilled, particularly in warm weather. Tawnies make a delicious dessert wine, and combines particularly well with flavours of almonds, berry fruit or dark chocolate. They can also be enjoyed as an accompaniment for rich, blue veined cheeses. Tawny Ports are excellent at the end of the meal, as a crowning moment of an enjoyable evening, served on its own or with a plate of walnuts or roasted almonds.
Lou Michel · 24:23 Fonseca Waterloo Edition Port is GREAT
 Lou Michel · 3:41 To night I’m having Pieropan Soave Classico 2015
 Fonseca Port · 53:04 an old tawny or a colheita with that chocolate

 

 Fonseca Port · 22:10 Fonseca Bin 27 with Chocolate fondant or chocolate brownies
 Fonseca Port · 21:22 Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft

 

 Fonseca Port · 20:45 Yes we are a family run company.
 Fonseca Port · 24:37 6th generation and very proud

 

 Fonseca Port · 9:34 Guimaraens makers of wines (rimes)
 Fonseca Port · 43:13 tawny ports are great served between 8 to 12 degrees celsius

 

Chocolates from Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut:

Almond
 
Milk chocolate with organic almonds, organic butter and amaretto flavour.
 
 
Amaretto
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, fondant sugar, organic cream, amaretto flavour and whiskey flavour.
 
 
 
Apricot Lavender
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, apricots, lavender and rum.
 
 
Bernard
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate with organic butter, Advocaat liqueur and vanilla beans.
 
 
Butter Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter and praline (hazelnuts, vanilla).
 
 
Canadienne Truffle
 
White chocolate and milk chocolate with organic cream, maple syrup, organic butter and maple syrup liqueur.
 
 
Caraque Milk
 
Milk chocolate with powdered whole milk, cocoa butter and vanilla.
 
 
Caraque Dark
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with cocoa butter.
 
 
Carré Cognac
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic cream, organic butter and Cognac.
 
 
Celeste Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic cream and organic butter.
 
 
Champagne Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic cream, organic butter, cocoa powder and Champagne.
 
 
Chestnut
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate with organic cream, organic butter and chestnut flavour.
 chocolatesliceandwine xl
 
 
Cinnamon Ginger
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and bittersweet chocolate with ginger, organic cream, organic butter, cinnamon oil, Cinnamon Schnapps and nutmeg.
 
 
Coconut
 
Milk chocolate with organic coconut, organic cane sugar, organic cream and organic butter.
 
 
Crème Praline
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, fondant sugar, organic cream and hazelnuts.
 
 
Dark Passion Fruit Heart
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, passion fruit and maraschino flavour.
 
 
Delice
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter and pear flavour.
 
 
Espresso Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate with organic cream, organic butter and coffee bean.
 
 
Gilberte
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, organic cane sugar, organic cream, hazelnuts and rum flavour.
 
 
Ginger Milk
 
Milk chocolate with ginger, organic cream and Bénédictine liqueur.
 
 
Grand Marnier
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter and Grand Marnier.
 

 

Hart
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, fondant sugar, organic cream, Kahlua liqueur and coffee.
 
 
Hazelnut
 
Milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate with praline (hazelnuts, vanilla).
 
 
Honey
 
Milk chocolate with organic cream, organic butter, honey and honey liqueur.
 
 
Honey Anise
 
Milk and white chocolate with organic cream, organic butter, Pernod, honey, cocoa butter and star anise.
 
 
Icewine Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic cream, organic butter and crème de cassis.
 
 
Irish Cream Truffle
 
Milk chocolate with organic cream, organic butter and  Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur.
 
 
Kahlua Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, Kahlua, cocoa butter and coffee.
 
 
Karamel
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream and maraschino flavour.
 
 
La Flamme
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, pear flavour and Triple Sec liqueur.
 
 
Leaf
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, blackcurrants, crème de cassis and whiskey flavour.
 
 
Leopold
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream and rum flavour.
 
 
Mango Peppercorn
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, mangos, mango liqueur and pink peppercorns.
 
 
Manon
 
White chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, marzipan (sugar, almonds), walnuts, egg white, vanilla beans and maraschino flavour.
 
 
Marsior
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, marzipan (sugar, almonds), candied organic orange sticks (organic orange zest, organic wheat syrup, organic concentrated lemon juice) and orange flavour.
 
 
Medallion Milk
 
Milk chocolate with hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios and organic almonds.
 
 
Milk Heart with Raspberry Filling
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, fondant sugar, raspberries and maraschino flavour.
 
Mint Leaf
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream and
crème de menthe.
 
 
Mochaccino
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, praline (hazelnuts, vanilla), coffee beans and cocoa butter.
 

 

Mokka
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, organic cane sugar, coffee extract and pear flavour.
 
 
Noisette
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter and praline (hazelnuts, vanilla).
 
 
Nutty Truffle
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter and praline (hazelnuts, vanilla).
 
 
Orange Leaf
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and orange oil.
 
 
Orange Peel
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with candied organic orange peel (organic orange peel, organic cane sugar, organic wheat syrup).
 
 
Pecamel
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, organic cane sugar and pecans.
 
 
Pistachio
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate with organic praline (hazelnuts, vanilla).
 
Raspberry Truffle
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, 
organic raspberry concentrate and maraschino flavour.
 
 
Rhum
 
Semi-sweet chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, fondant sugar and rum flavour.
 
 
Rice Crisp
 
Milk chocolate with praline (hazelnuts, vanilla) and rice crisps (organic brown rice flour, sugarcane juice, molasses, sea salt).
 
 
Sambucca
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, 
Black sambucca and coffee flavour.
 
 
Sea Salt Caramel
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, organic cane sugar and fleur de sel sea salt.
 
 
Seashell
 
White chocolate and milk chocolate with praline (hazelnuts, vanilla).
 
 
Square
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate with organic butter, organic cream and
Advocaat Liqueur.
 
 
Strawberry
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, fondant sugar, organic strawberry concentrate and maraschino flavour.
 
 
Toffee
 
Milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream and golden sugar.
 
 
Trio
 
Semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, hazelnut and maraschino flavour.
 
 
White Heart with Marionberry Filling
 
White chocolate with organic butter, organic cream, fondant sugar, blackberries, raspberries, crème de cassis and maraschino flavour.
 David Guimaraen

David was born on 13th October, 1965, in Oporto, Portugal. He represents the sixth generation of Guimaraens to be involved in the Port business.

After completing his schooling in Portugal and England, David spent time gaining hands-on wine making experience in Australia, California and Oregon before undertaking formal education in œnology at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia.  After graduating he remained in Australia to gain additional experience before returning to Portugal in 1990 to join the Fonseca wine making team.

Since 1991 David has played a leading role in the production of Fonseca’s wines and in the development of its wineries and vineyards. As Technical Director and head wine maker David leads the team responsible for wine making on the Fonseca estate. The research and development work carried out under David’s leadership has resulted in new vinification technology which has radically enhanced the quality of the wines.

David also works closely with head of viticulture, António Magalhães, one of the Douro’s most respected viticulturists and a world authority on mountain viticulture, in managing and developing the Fonseca vineyard estates. Together they have created an award winning sustainable vineyard model which is set to become the standard for environmentally responsible viticulture in the Douro Valley.

David has a number of extraordinary wines to his credit and is regarded as one of the most gifted wine makers in the Port industry.

 

Wines and Liqueurs:

Fonseca Porto Bin 27, Douro Valley, Portugal: This full-bodied dessert wine offers aromas and flavours of fleshy purple and black plums with blackberry liqueur. Layered and rich. Food pairings: chocolate and berry fruit dishes. Drink: 2014 – 2025 325506 20% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 92/100. February 2017. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dalva Port 2010, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: This dessert wine is a classic late bottled vintage port with flavours of black and purple plum. Ready to drink much earlier than traditional vintage-dated ports yet sharing many of the same aromas and flavours. Pair with Black Forest cake. Port food pairings: crème brûlée, fruit-based desserts, pastries, fresh field berries in cream. Drink: 2012 – 2018 169755 20% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 89/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poças Jr. Late Bottle Vintage Port 2009, Douro D.O.P., Portugal: An attractive after-dinner dessert wine: this fortified port is made in the Late Bottled Vintage style so it doesn’t have to be aged, like Vintage ports do. Aromas of blackberry jam. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Port food pairings: blue cheeses, chocolate mousse, fresh fruit. Drink: 2016 – 2022 642058 20.2% S 750 mL $25.95 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor Fladgate First Estate Reserve Port, Douro, Portugal: Taylor Fladgate’s First Estate features the house signature of concentrated dark fruit with great balance and length. This dessert wine is a blend of youthful red wines produced in the Cima Corgo region, then aged several years in oak barrels. Intense ruby hue. Aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, black plum and star anise. Firm tannins. Pair with star anise chocolate and hard cheeses. Taylor’s First Estate Port celebrates the producer’s first vineyard purchase Casa dos Alambiques at Lugar das Lages in the upper Douro Valley back in 1744. Drink: 2016 – 2023 309401 19% S 750 mL $17.15 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandeman Ruby Port, Douro, Portugal Drink: 2015 – 2018 23366 19% S 750 mL $15.45 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011, Douro Valley, Portugal: Stunningly great dessert wine for the money! Aromas of blackberry liqueur and cassis jam. Smooth and supple. Pair with Black Forest Cake. Drink: 2013 – 2022 191239 20% S 750 mL $17.25 Score: 90/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warre’s Vintage Port 1980, Douro, Portugal: A gorgeous black-violet hue in the glass. This classic vintage-dated port offers aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and dark spice. Long finish. Drink: 1995 – 2025 747022 20% S 750 mL $120.00 Score: 94/100. February 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lillet Rouge, Gironde, France: Serve this aperitif wine well chilled. Drink: 2016 – 2020 249482 17% S 750 mL $18.95 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dow’s Colheita Port 1997, Douro, Portugal: This lovely fortified dessert wine was estate bottled in 2007. It was aged 10 years before being released from the winery, much like 10-Year-Old Tawy Ports are, and it too does not require decanting as there is not sediment. However, a Colheita Port differs from a Tawny in that a Colheita is made from the grapes grown in a single vineyard, rather than a blend of several vineyards. This offers aromas of black fruit, vanilla spice, coffee and chocolate. A rich, luxurious port with layers of toffee, nuts and caramel on the finish. Drink: 2007 – 2024 69906 20% S 750 mL $32.95 Score: 92/100. February 2017. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fonseca Porto White Port, Douro, Portugal: I was surprised at this port mostly because I haven’t tried many of the white variety. (I love tawny!) Makes a lovely after-dinner drink to sip on its own or with biscotti or fruit-based desserts. White Port food pairings: aperitif, over ice with tonic and mint, almonds. Drink: 2016 – 2022 276816 20% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warre’s Otima 10-Year-Old Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal: Rich and layered with notes of dried plums, dark spice and toffee. Perfect for toffee and caramel chocolates. Drink: 2016 – 2025 566174 20% S 500 mL $25.75 Score: 89/100. February 2017. Best Value Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

 

 

How to Make a Fonseco Guimaraens White Port and Tonic

To make a delicious drink…

Place 3-4 cubes of ice in a long drink glass

Fill 1/2 the glass with chilled Fonseca Guimaraens White Port

Top with tonic water

Add a few leaves of fresh mint or a slice of lemon.

Relax and enioy!

 

 

 

 

 

Other Wines/Drinks

Baileys Irish Cream, Ireland Drink: 2016 – 2021 5959 17% S 750 mL $29.95 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Sortilège Maple Cream, Quebec, Canada Drink: 2016 – 2020 352021 17% S 750 mL $27.95 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baileys Irish Cream Almande, Ireland Drink: 2016 – 2021 455428 17% S 750 mL $31.95 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Baileys Salted Caramel, Ireland Drink: 2016 – 2021 400259 17% S 750 mL $28.95 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Red Wine

Apothic Inferno Red Apothic 2014, California, United States Drink: 2014 – 2018 485623 16% D 750 mL $17.95 February 2017. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart

Notes:

Pairing wine and chocolate is not as difficult as it sounds … though it can require a little more thought than dishes that are more wine-friendly.

The debate rages on which type of wines red, white, sparkling, dessert) to pair with which type of chocolate (milk, dark, mousse, white).

There are actually combinations of dry wines and sweet types of chocolate that taste terrible together.

The rule of thumb for all desserts: the wine should be sweeter than the dessert, otherwise the wine will taste bitter by comparison.

Concept red wine flavours - chocolateI’ve developed a comprehensive list of wine and chocolate pairings in my interactive Wine & Food Matcher so that you pick any one of 50 types of chocolate, from ice cream to fudge to Hershey’s Kisses, and get suggestions for types of wines that will work.

Click on the button called “desserts” to find pairings for chocolate mud pie to chocolate cheesecake. These same pairings are also in my free mobile apps.

I recommend muscat and Sauternes for light chocolate mousse whereas my picks for dark chocolate mousse would be demi-sec champagne and vin santo.

Top 10 Wine and Chocolate Matches:

1. Dark chocolate with Banyuls, a red-tinted dessert wine from France’s Rhone Valley.

2. Chocolate-covered biscotti with Recioto Della Valpolicella, a sweet version of Italy’s classic Valpolicella, made from grapes that are allowed to dry and shrivel like raisins before they’re pressed.

3. Chocolate-orange cake with Australian muscat, aka a “sticky,” the Australian term for an ultra-sweet wine made from the muscat grape.

4. Chocolate and nuts with tawny port, a fortified wine from Portugal that is aged in barrel until the color turns from red to tawny.

5. Milk chocolate with Tokaji, the legendary wine of Hungary, once a favorite of the kings of Europe.

6. Bittersweet chocolate with Amarone, a super-rich red wine from Italy’s Veneto reigon. (Yes, Amarone is relatively dry, but so is bittersweet chocolate.)

7. Chocolate-dipped fruit with ice wine, a sweet white made from grapes that are allowed to freeze on the vine before they’re pressed.

8. Chocolate truffles with Sauternes, France’s most famous dessert wine, from the Bordeaux region.

9. Chocolate raspberry cheesecake with Framboise, a sweet fruit wine made from raspberries.

10. Cream-filled chocolate hearts with cream sherry — yes, as in Harvey’s Bristol Cream.

For more wine and chocolate pairing articles, click on the tag above called “Chocolate & Wine” …

two glasses of champagne or white wine with crystal vase, carnation and chocolate tiles. White background with copyspace

 

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