Wine & Chocolate

There are lots of legends around the origin of Valentine’s Day. Most involve an unjustly imprisoned Saint Valentine, who fell in love with his jailer’s daughter and on the eve of his execution (February 14th) sent her a letter expressing his love, which he singed, “Your Valentine.”  The Feast of Saint Valentine was celebrated for centuries but had more to do with health than romance. Most scholars say there was no connection between Valentine’s Day and romance until Chaucer's poem, Parliament of Fowls in 1382. The poem describes a dream in which all the birds of the world meet to select mates and Chaucer claimed it happened on Valentine’s Day. 
 
Valentine’s Day and for whatever reason we’re expected to give our partners and others we care about tokens of our love. We’re here to help. You don’t want to be that person who has to run out and grab the last box of chocolate from CVS or a gas station bouquet. 
  
The bold flavors of a Barolo complement the aromatic intensity of dark chocolate, plus Barolo’s high tannins don’t just dry out your mouth, they clean your palate, so it allows you to enjoy each bite of dark chocolate to the fullest. 
 
Cossetti Cinquantacinque Barolo 2018 
  
Pinot Noir’s fruity character complements milk chocolate’s creamy texture and sweet, mellow taste, making for a harmonious pairing. 
 
Mars Water Lazy River Pinot Noir 2021
  
With its light sparkle, slight sweetness and fruitiness, Moscato d’Asti offers a great contrast to white chocolate’s creaminess. Plus, Moscato d’Asti’s low alcohol level ensures that the wine won’t overwhelm the chocolate’s rich flavors.  

Nebbiolo rules Northern Italy and is responsible for big, bold Barolos, softer Barbaresco wines or just plain Nebbiolo from Langhe. It’s full of body, tannins, acidity and tart cherry flavors. If that’s your style, you might want to try Tempranillo.

Most famously from Rioja, Tempranillo is full of black cherry and fig flavors, although it’s slightly lighter in body, acidity and tannins. And even though it’s Spanish in origin, it pairs well with a nice tomato sauce.  

Malabriga 2018 Tempranillo Ribera del Duero 
  
Montebellon 2019 Avaniel Tempranillo