Who doesn’t like chocolate and wine? But, what about pairing them together? Pairing chocolate and wine can be tricky if you don’t do your research ahead of time. Chocolate and wine both are power palates and tend to compete for the same taste buds. When done right, however, it can be an exquisite experience. The wine should be as sweet, or a little more so, than the chocolate. You should also opt for similar weight and style of wine. For instance, an intense dark chocolate isn’t going to bring out the best in a light red or white wine. Instead, for dark chocolates, look for fruity, intense wines such as a rich red blend.
With the holidays right around the corner, what better time to display and suggestive sell new gift package options? For instance, display a dark chocolate truffle set with a list of wine pairing suggestions. Or better yet, pair up with a winery to make it a one-stop-shop so your customer can purchase the truffles and bottle of wine right there (bonus: the winery can sell your chocolates too=more sales!).
We’ve come up with an easy guide for packaging and pairing your chocolates and wines.
Wine Hanger
Perfectly fits on the neck of a wine bottle and holds 2 or 4 truffles. Choose from solid colors or a variety of designs for any occasion. Tray included
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Artisan Truffle
Impress your customers with Tap’s premium set-up box wrapped in textured black or shimmer materials. Available in 6 pc, 12 pc and 24 pc. Trays and pads sold separately.
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Two-Piece Set-up Box
Tap’s rigid box is specifically designed for high-end chocolates. The gloss white, red, silver or gold foil is perfect for gift giving! Available in 12pc, 16pc, 18pc, 21pc, 24pc and 25pc. Pads and trays sold separately.
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Two-Piece Folding Box with Clear Lid
Your truffles are a work of art! So why not show them off? Available in a white base with a clear lid. (Shown with imprinting)
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Dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolates (contains a minimum of 70% cacao) are the most intense and rich in flavor. They are strong and complex flavors that call for a wine that has a fuller body and robust aromas.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: Cabinet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Bordeaux and Malbecs.
Since milk chocolates have a higher percentage of sugar and are creamier, they pair best with sweeter wines.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: Pinot Noir, light Merlots, Muscat, Riesling and Ruby Ports.
It’s creamy, milky and vanilla flavors pair well with sweeter white wines. Sweeter white wines will help pull out the vanilla flavors and will bring out the fruit nodes within the chocolate.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: Moscato d’Asti, Riesling, Fruity Chardonnays, and Champagnes.
Chocolate covered fruit or fruit-flavored truffles pair well with wines that are strong in fruit notes.
Wine pairing suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon, Madeirais, Merlot and Ruby Ports.
Austin Johnson
Author