Sweet Pairings

Many red wine drinkers are also chocolate lovers. This may be partly due to the fact that both wine and cocoa beans are fermented with the same type of yeast.  Separately, wine and chocolate have unique flavors. Pairing the right wine with the right chocolate, however, can create an elevated and satisfying taste experience. Milk chocolate has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. It pairs well with lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Merlot. Darker chocolates have high cocoa content that ranges from 35% to 85%. These chocolates are best paired with fuller-bodied, tannin-driven reds that have bold fruit and plenty of alcohol. Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon are good choices to enhance the dry, tannin textures of bittersweet chocolate.  

You can also pair wine with white chocolate. White chocolate tends to be more mellow and buttery in flavor. This makes it an ideal candidate for the sweeter styles of Sherry and the sweet, subtle bubbles of Italy’s Moscato. Whether you are in need of a single bottle or stocking that brand new wine cellar, combine your tastes with our experience and together we will help you locate wines just for you. Please call 508-366-1942, or visit JULIO’S LIQUORS at 140 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9 East.

HINT: Lodi, a wine region of California, has an annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend that features handcrafted local wines and delicious chocolate treats.