Wine & Chocolate Pairing 101
For most people, just the sound of these words separately would cause their mouths to water, but the two together can be a uniquely divine experience – an elusive culinary affair one isn’t soon to forget!
Through the marriage of bold, bitter, sweet and smooth flavors, people can experience their favorites at the peak of perfection. Fortunately, residents at Shea Homes Active Lifestyle Communities across the U.S. will be able to mix and match their favorites at the Wine & Chocolate Affair on August 20th (Dates and times vary/ See below for details). The public is also welcome to attend this free event.
To prepare for a night of indulgence, here are a few tips to help you decide what wines and chocolates to put together.
Tip #1: Know what flavor you are looking for.
- Wine and chocolate combinations can taste completely different to different people.
- It’s highly recommended to be aware of your preferences and whether you want the wine to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate or act as a contrasting flavor.
Tip #2: Start from white chocolate and work your way up to dark.
- When pairing wines and chocolates together it is best to start with lighter, more elegant chocolate paired with light wines. For example, white chocolate and sherry work off of each other extremely well.
- As you move on to milk chocolate, you might want to consider a Pino Noir or a lighter-bodied Merlot.
- Finally, when you think of dark chocolate, always put it with a full-bodied wines or even champagne. We recommend Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel with the rich dark chocolate, and if you want to try a truffle or dark chocolate dessert, a Port will create the ultimate flavor combination. But remember, it is all based on what YOU like!
Tip #3: Remember to savor the flavors at a pairing event the same way you would for a traditional tasting.
- Take in the attributes of the chocolate. Note the aroma, examine the texture and savor the flavor of the chocolate in your mouth.
- Next, do the same for the wine. Swirl your glass to look for the color and viscosity of your drink. Breathe in the smell and search for the identifiable scents.
- As you sip the wine, let the flavor fill your senses and think of what elements come to mind (earth, wood, fruit, etc.).
- Next, take a bit of the chocolate and let it linger on your tongue. As the chocolate melts, sip your wine again and notice how the flavors play off of each other.
With these tips in mind, come experience something you’ve never tried before and spend a night living the good life!
View this link to see the times for the Wine & Chocolate Affair at a community near you.