| 04 March 2010
Are there any wines that match well with chocolate?
Some things just sound like they should go together: beer and pretzels, tequila and lime juice, me and Penelope Cruz. Truth is; many unions that look good on paper are a train wreck waiting to happen, and chocolate and wine a perfect example.
Over the centuries, chocolate’s relationship with wine has become sort of an affinity cliché (almost on par with how supposedly great a match wine is with cheese). Both chocolate and cheese are palate-coating eatables with a variety of personalities that can wreak havoc on a liquid partner.
Chocolate’s thick sweetness is its own personal landmine that sits between you and a decent wine pairing. The trick is to pick juice that at least offers a comparable level of sweetness, density and, if possible, mocha in its flavour profile.
If your confectionary selection is dark (with a bittersweet or semisweet sensibility) think red wines made with Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (from the New World). A rich Pinot Noir would also work, as would a late bottled vintage or aged tawny port.
Lighter Pinot Noir and Merlot make a nice match with milkier chocolate, as do sticky dessert whites and fragrant, middle-of-the-road German Rieslings. Since I’m a bubbly fanatic from way back, I don’t mind how drier sparkling wines play with chocolate (especially when it’s white). That said; the fresh fruit of a slightly sweeter Asti style from Italy is really a better companion.
| 18 February 2010
I like drinking on the cutting edge. What’s going to be the next big grape trend?I’ve rubbed my crystal ball and, believe it or not, when it comes to red fruit it predicts that Shiraz/Syrah (a grape so nice they named it twice) will shine in 2010. I know what you’re thinking — what’s so hip about a grape that’s been used and abused by Down Under winemakers for the last twenty years? Well, here’s the deal: The wines from the southern (which blend with Syrah) and northern (where Syrah is king) Rhône Valley have been the only things close to cool coming out of France in recent memory and consumers should finally take notice early in the New Year.
Also, great price-fighting versions of S/S from Chile, Argentina and South Africa will be invading your local liquor stores in the coming months and that will set the stage for the grape’s second act.