Pick a Pair for Valentine's that Will Set Hearts A-Flutter

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed)
Feb 2nd 2008 at 8:02AM

Now that it is officially February most of us are sketching out our plans for Cupid's Day and most likely that day will involve wine, chocolate or both! But have you ever chosen a wine to go with a meal or dessert that flopped because you didn't know how to properly match the two together? Fear not, Natalie MacLean has a match-making guide (for food and wine, not love -- sorry) to make you look like a pro and seduce your lover with ease. If you need some quick ideas to get you started, here are her top 10 wine and chocolate matches you can't miss:

1. Dark Chocolate and Banyuls, France
2. Chocolate-Covered Biscotti and Recioto Della Valpolicella, Italy
3. Chocolate-Orange Cake and Liqueur Muscat, Australia

4. Chocolate with Nuts and Tawny Port, Portugal
5. Milk Chocolate and Tokaji, Hungary
6. Bittersweet Chocolate and Amarone, Italy
7. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit and Icewine, Canada
8. Chocolate Ganache Truffles and Sauternes, France
9. Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and Framboise, California
10. Chocolate Hearts with Cream Filling and Cream Sherry, Spain

In general, Natalie suggests the "creamy flavors of chocolate go best with sweet, full-bodied, high-alcohol wines" and if you are in need of recipes, she has you covered there too. No excuse now to not come through for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

Tags: natalie-maclean, natdecants, wine-and-chocolate, wine-and-dessert, wine-pairing