Few pairings sound more indulgent than wine and chocolate — but getting it right is trickier than you might think. Both are rich, complex, and full of tannins, which means they can easily clash. Yet when harmony is achieved, the result is sublime. Here’s how to make it work — and four Friarwood wines that do it beautifully.
Why Pairing Wine and Chocolate Is Tricky
Chocolate’s bitterness and fat coat the palate, while wine’s tannins and acidity demand balance. If the wine is drier than the chocolate, it can taste sour or harsh. The key? Match intensity and sweetness — and always let the wine be slightly sweeter than the chocolate.
The Golden Rules
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Match weight: Dark chocolate = bold reds; milk chocolate = lighter reds; white chocolate = sweet or sparkling wines.
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Match sweetness: The wine should always out-sweeten the chocolate.
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Mind the texture: Creamy chocolates love silky wines; crunchy or nutty chocolates prefer structure and freshness.
Our Perfect Pairings
Dark Chocolate — Bodega Monteviejo, Lindaflor Malbec 2016
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Rich, velvety dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) demands a wine with depth and smooth tannins. The Lindaflor Malbec from Argentina delivers both — aged 18 months in French oak, it’s full of black cherry, blackberry, cedar and spice, finishing with a silky elegance.
Why it works: The wine’s ripe fruit softens the bitterness of dark chocolate, while the oak spice complements cocoa’s roasted notes.
Try it with: Dark chocolate truffles, espresso-infused desserts, or spiced chocolate torte.
Milk Chocolate — Domaine Nudant, Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022
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Smooth and creamy milk chocolate finds its match in a fruit-driven, medium-bodied red. The Nudant Bourgogne Pinot Noir from Ladoix-Serrigny bursts with red cherry, strawberry and subtle spice, its soft texture echoing the silkiness of chocolate.
Why it works: The wine’s light tannins and bright acidity keep sweetness in check, refreshing the palate between bites.
Try it with: Chocolate-covered strawberries, pralines, or chocolate mousse.
White Chocolate — 2019 Château Rieussec, Les Carmes de Rieussec (Sauternes)
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White chocolate, with its buttery sweetness and vanilla notes, needs a luscious wine to stand up to it. Enter Les Carmes de Rieussec, the second wine of Château Rieussec in Sauternes. Bursting with candied apricot, honey and citrus zest, it’s rich yet balanced by fresh acidity.
Why it works: The sweetness of Sauternes mirrors white chocolate’s creaminess while its acidity prevents overload.
Try it with: White chocolate bark, lemon tart, or cheesecake.
Truffles & Pralines — Deutz Rosé Champagne NV
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Bubbles bring freshness to rich chocolate treats. The Deutz Rosé is a masterclass in balance — strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate, underpinned by fine mousse and elegance.
Why it works: The crisp acidity cuts through ganache, while the berry fruit complements chocolate fillings.
Try it with: Chocolate-dipped raspberries, pralines or pink Champagne truffles.
Friarwood’s Tasting Tips
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Serve wine slightly chilled: 14–16°C for reds, 8–10°C for dessert wines and Champagne.
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Taste chocolate first, wine second: Let the cocoa melt before sipping the wine.
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Host your own pairing night: Line up three chocolates (dark, milk, white) and explore the differences side by side.
Explore & Shop
Indulge in our full Sweet & Fortified Wines and Champagne Collection online, or visit Friarwood Parsons Green and Wimbledon Village for personal recommendations.
FAQs
Why does wine sometimes taste bitter with chocolate?
Because dry, tannic wines clash with chocolate’s bitterness. Choose rounder, fruitier, or sweeter wines instead.
Can Champagne pair with chocolate?
Yes — especially rosé Champagne, which balances acidity and red-fruit notes with creamy or nutty chocolates.
What’s the best wine for Valentine’s Day gifts?
A bottle of rosé Champagne or Sauternes is romantic, elegant, and guaranteed to impress.
Final Thought
Wine and chocolate might be a challenging couple, but when matched carefully, they’re unforgettable together. Explore Friarwood’s collection to find your perfect pairing and host your own decadent tasting night.
