WINE has been a symbol of love and romance for thousands of years. And its rich history has been intertwined with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, becoming an integral part of this special occasion since the 19th century.
In more recent times, it has become fashionable to pair the bottle you have chosen to share with a loved one next Saturday evening with chocolate.
Whether you are trying to pair a delicate white chocolate or a lively dark number, here are a few, simple tips to keep in mind, and a little experimenting will help you discover the best combinations.
Some prefer the wine to be as sweet as the chocolate; others find with this combo that the chocolate can take on a sour note.
Matching lighter, elegant-flavoured chocolates with lighter-bodied wines (the richer the chocolate, the more full-bodied the wine should be) tends to work.
And when experimenting, always go from light to dark.
A bittersweet chocolate pairs with a tannic Cabernet Sauvignon.
The darker the chocolate, the more tannins it will display.
Match the same with a wine with more rounded and softer tannins and the chocolate can cancel out the tannins on the palate and allow more fruit to show.
White Belgian chocolate — mellow and almost buttery — goes very well with a sherry made from the Pedro Ximénez grape with its palate of figs, dates, molasses, and coffee.
For something different but equally sensational with white chocolate, search out a bottle of Orange Muscat dessert wine.
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Pinot Noir, or a young New World Merlot, goes well with milk chocolate, or a creamy chocolate mousse. Ruby Port is also a safe bet.
Light dessert wines tend to work well too, while a dry sparkling wine is sensational with strawberries dipped in milk chocolate.
The robust flavour of dark or bitter-sweet chocolate is best paired with a wine that has a robust flavour itself —and a hint of chocolate!
Cabernets and Californian Zinfandels have the required characteristics to make one of those matches made in heaven.
Happy Valentine’s and here are three recommendations for February 14 that won’t break the bank…
Romeo & Juliet Prosecco Rosé 2024 (ABV 11%)
€19.99 on promo @ O’Briens Wine
Grapes: Glera & Pinot Noir.
PINK bubbles linked to the most romantic of all love stories … what more would you need to celebrate Valentine’s Day next Saturday.
And this elegant tipple comes from Italy’s Veneto region, just down the road from Verona, the ancestral home of Romeo and Juliet!
A blushing coppery pink colour in the glass, it has enticing aromatics of crushed raspberries and strawberries, with a hint of red apple.
The palate is round and fresh, with citrus and soft, red summer fruit notes.
The bubbles are persistent and very satisfying.
Enjoy with: Seafood starters.
Irish Sun star rating: ****
Romeo & Juliet Passione Passimento Red 2021 (ABV 14%)
€19.99 @ O’Briens Wine
Grapes: Corvina, Croatina & Merlot.
THE three red grapes hand-picked in Italy’s Valpolicella for this deep, ruby red blend are vinified separately after being left to dry for four weeks on wooden trays to concentrate their sugar levels.
The fruit matures in oak vats for three months before the final blend, resulting in a deep ruby red wine with intense aromas of red berry fruit and spice.
The fruit driven palate is rich, balanced, silky and round, with well-integrated tannins and a very pleasant finish.
Enjoy with: Aged Comte cheese.
Irish Sun star rating: ****
Mistinguett Brut Rosé NV (ABV 12%)
€28 approx in good independents
Grapes: Garnacha, Trepat & Pinot Noir.
SO happy that Cava, Spain’s favourite sparkling wine, is re-building its popularity worldwide.
This is a premium, organic wine that has been aged in bottle for 12 months before release, resulting in an alluring, light cherry pink colour when poured.
The nose has delicate aromas of strawberries and raspberries, with underlying floral and citrus notes.
It has excellent, refreshing acidity on the palate, a continuous string of fine bubbles, a creamy texture and a savoury finish.
Enjoy with: Chicken salad.
Irish Sun star rating: ****
