The challenge of chocolate and the sophistication of wine combined has been known since the 1700’s when the first chocolate pieces could be purchased from confectionary shops.
Some wines are flavored with chocolate, some are dashed with chocolate extract, and some become rich ports and literally infuse the chocolate into their spirits. Some examples are shared of those who pride their production based on deep rich chocolate and fine wine.
Popular Combinations are Winery Creations
- Wilson Creek Winery’ Decadencia is a Chocolate Port based on a century old vine zinfandel
- Trentadue Chocolate Amore is made from merlot grapes distilled to port, and then adding natural chocolate extract. It is a sweet rich dessert drink or topping. It is about 18.8% alcohol.
- Desiree Chocolate Dessert Wine out Of Rosenblum Cellars in California is an American combination of zinfandel, syrah, and other wines, with chocolate hailing from Wisconsin to make this 16.% dessert chocolate and cherry grape based wine. It is not as heavy or sweet as it sounds.
Orange Chocolate Wines
- Shallon winery has a Chocolate Wine made from 6 countries’ fine chocolates and of 10% alcohol content as opposed to those liquerers of up to 40% alcohol content. Prided as the wine masters “Ultimate” in his older years, Paul at Shallon.com will ship the wine anywhere he legally can.
- Naples Winery of Florida boasts its Cocoa Beach Wine that ferments 100% Florida orange juice with chocolate.
- Sabra Orange Chocolate liqueur is as its name states, a liqueur. It is distilled in Israel, kosher, and can be shipped anywhere. It can be locally found in many wine shops. Its priced in the mid $20 and compliments are high. It can be used as an after dinner drink or a dessert topping
- Conners Wine Cellar in BC produced an Orange Chocolate Port winning best in show for dessert wines in 2008 and repeated that feat in 2009 with a White Chocolate White Port. Enjoy with a piece of dark chocolate on the side.
Wines Combining Chocolate With Berries
Typically the wine is distilled to a port wine since chocolate isn’t thought of as a separate accompaniment to an entree but as an apertif or dessert. Ice wines, too, as sweeter wines, are the basis for chocolate wine drinks.
- Chocolate Raspberry Port Style composed of lots of dark chocolate and strong smoky port tastes originates from Murielle Winery in Florida.
- Decadence, a strawberry chocolate wine from Rush Creek Wines is a lighter taste at 12.5% alcohol.
How to Make Chocolate Wine at Home
Decisions are necessary whether the chocolate or the wine is to be the main ingredient. Creating the wine and adding chocolate seems to be a matter of personal taste. Further decisions are then which chocolate and how much of it to use? Choices are cocoa, extract, white or dark chocolate, chunks or liquid. Needless to say, the choice of wine plays a major role. Red or white, exotic fruit or grape? Dark chocolates and dark wines may seem a reasonable combination choice but experimenting opens new taste sensations.
Michael Chiarella of the food network offers a recipe combining zinfandel, whole milk, an ounce of chopped milk chocolate and a garnish of cocoa for a hot wine drink.
Jack Keller Winemaking has a recipe for a Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Wine composed of Hershey’s cocoa, a jar of cherries, and honey for those desiring a sweet combination.
In a similar vein with but with a different can of fruit, is the Mandarin Chocolate Wine recipe also found on his blog.
Offering a pretty box of fine chocolates with a glass of wine is always popular; offering a glass of chocolate wine is unique. Make any day a holiday.
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