In our second video chat above, Master Chocolatier Derrick Tu Tan Pho reveals more of his secrets for pairing wine and chocolate, especially for Valentine’s Day.
He’s also designed some lovely chocolate creations, and suggests rosemary-infused chocolate with habanero sea salt as an aprodisiac that pairs amazingly well with prosciutto and cheese (and a bear skin rug in front of a blazing fireplace) …
What are your tips on pairing solid chocolate with wine?
How about chocolate with raspberry or blackberry filling?
How about Valentine’s Day? Anything special for the chocolate versus chocolate we enjoy at other times of the year?
Tell me about some of the newest chocolate infusions, such as bacon bits and beef jerky (save that latter one for Father’s Day).
You can watch part one of our chat on pairing wine and chocolate.
Bordeaux, France
This fortified wine from Bordeaux is made from the same grapes as the dry table wines there: sauvignon and semillon. About 15% liqueur is added by macerating sweet and bitter oranges in brandy. This is then aged for about a year in oak barrels. There are terrific aromas of bitter orange zest in this lively aperitif. You can also try is as a cocktail in a flute glass with about 1 oz of Lillet and 5 oz of sparkling wine. Pair with chocolate and bitter orange zest peel or dark chocolate. 322297 17% MS $15.95 Score: 88/100
Quinta Das Carvalhas Reserva Tawny Port Real Companhia Velha
D.O.C., Douro, Portugal
Very pretty dessert wine with attractive toffee and toasted almond aromas and flavours. Pair with crème brûlée and biscotti. Yum. Pair with: nut bowl, blue-veined cheese. Drink: 2013-2018. 298059 19% S 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100.
You can find Cococo stores in Canada and the US here, check out the new store in Ottawa … lots of decadent treats for Valentine’s Day.
You may also enjoy these video chats:
Chocolate & Wine: Chocolate Sommelier Roxanne Browning talks about what artisanal chocolate is and how to pair with wine
Chocolate (Dark) & Wine: Roxanne Browning talks about this pairing plus the health benefits of chocolate
Icewine Pairings: Karen King suggests some unusual pairings for icewine such as chocolate and chili chips and wasabi peas
Canada AM CTV: wine and chocolate pairings
National Post: Valentine’s Day wine and chocolate pairings
Top 10 Wines for Valentine’s Day
You’ll also find lots of wine pairings for chocolate and chocolate-based desserts in the Drinks Matcher
