By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
We’ve all been sold the fantasy. Wine… Chocolate… Romance… dim lighting. Maybe Barry White playing in the background reminding us that love ain’t always simple. And honestly? He’s right.
Wine and chocolate sound like the ultimate power couple. But while they can be magic together, this pairing isn’t always effortless. In fact, sometimes it’s downright complicated.
But don’t worry, I promise, you don’t need relationship counseling to enjoy this sultry duo. You just need a little understanding.
Why This “Love Story” Gets Complicated
Here’s the not-so-sexy truth: chocolate contains tannins; just like wine. Tannins are tiny molecules that under a microscope look like little burs or branching vines. They like to hook up with other molecules, especially proteins. That’s why both chocolate and red wine can leave your mouth feeling dry and when you put two tannin-heavy partners together, they don’t calm each other down, they amplify it. Two plus two suddenly feels like eight.
Yes, opposites attract, but when two strong personalities get together, sparks can fly for better or worse. Chocolate and red wine can be a lot like that. It’s Leo and a Scorpio falling in love. Both are bold, intense, and convinced they should be the star of the show. Sometimes it’s magic. Sometimes it’s… a little dramatic to say the least.
Not exactly Barry White vibes.
Then there’s sugar. If your chocolate is sweeter than your wine, the wine can suddenly taste sour. The imbalance shows itself very quickly. Similarly to the looks you would get if you wore sweatpants to a black tie affair.
The Golden Rule of the Relationship
Remember: Sweets for the Sweet. A sweet wine will pair better with a sweet dessert. If the wine is sweeter than the chocolate, you have found true love in paradise. It’s not about overpowering. It’s about balance. This is why Port and chocolate are such a classic pairing. The sweetness and richness meet chocolate on equal footing instead of fighting for attention.
Similarly, intense with intense. There’s a reason why Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are in so many movies together. Light milk chocolate often pairs better with softer, fruit-forward wines like Merlot or Grenache. They’re smooth, approachable, and don’t overwhelm.
Dark chocolate with higher cacao percentages can handle bolder wines like Zinfandel or Syrah. These wines bring depth and spice that stand up to chocolate’s intensity.
It’s Your Palate; You Say What’s Good
Pairing wine and chocolate isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about exploration. One sip after a bite can taste completely different than the wine alone. The chocolate can highlight hidden fruit notes or exaggerate bitterness you didn’t notice before.
It’s chemistry! Wine has always lived at the intersection of science and pleasure. Chocolate is no different. When you understand just a little bit about structure, tannin, sugar and body, it’s no longer a mystery; it’s case closed.
The Real Takeaway
Wine and chocolate can absolutely be a dreamy pairing. But like any good relationship, they require balance, patience, and a little trial and error (and that’s the fun part).
So put on the music. Open the bottle. Break the chocolate. And don’t stress about getting it “perfect.” Because at the end of the day, the best pairing isn’t going to be found in a book. It’s about enjoyment, discovery, and maybe sharing the moment with someone who appreciates both the science and the sweetness. And more importantly…. you.
Love ain’t easy. But when it works, it’s unforgettable. Happy Valentine’s Day!
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
