Pairing wine and chocolate: a perfect party theme for adults.
Many say that wine and chocolate cannot be successfully combined, but others beg to differ. The key is to find the right combinations of the two decadent treats. In fact, the trend is growing so rapidly that many are throwing wine and chocolate tasting parties. So why not throw your own wine and chocolate party. If you follow a few simple guidelines your party will be a scrumptious success.
Pairing Wine And Chocolate Tips
- Lighter chocolates work well with lighter-bodied wines. White Chocolates, which are more mellow and buttery, tend to go well with a sherry, Moscato d’Asti or and Orange Muscat. Pinot Noir, lighter-bodied Merlots and dessert wines compliment milk chocolates. Dark chocolate needs a more full-bodied wine with a slightly bitter taste; try cabernets or zinfandels.
- Note that champagne does not work well with any type of chocolate. Most white wines also do not pair well with chocolate. A good gauge for picking a wine and chocolate combo is to pick a wine that is at least as sweet as the chocolate or even a little sweeter.
Tips For Hosting A Wine And Chocolate Pairing Party
- Set the atmosphere. Pick some background music that will set the mood but not be so loud that it discourages conversation. Hiring a pianist or a string quartet is an elegant musical option. Fresh flowers and the glow of candles should suffice for party decorations. Give guests wine charms as party gifts.
- Mid-afternoon or early evening is the best times of day for a wine and chocolate tasting party. Be sure to hold your party one to two hours after a meal; to give taste buds time to recovere; to assure that guests will not be hungry or too full to enjoy the festivities.
- Provide saltine crackers and water to cleanse the palate between each combination. Sniff coffee beans to clear aromas from your nose.
- Start with light chocolate and work your way to the dark chocolate. Darker chocolates will over power white and milk chocolates.
- Four to eight is the ideal size for you party – large enough for discussion and small enough to accommodate. Provide wine scoring sheets. At the end of the party supply guests with a list of the wines and chocolates with price and shopping information. Do not hand out before the tasting as some may be influenced by price.
- Provide a maximum of six combinations. More than that will be too much for your taste buds to handle.
- Crystal wine glasses can be rent if needed. For a little extra fun, hire a sommelier to help select the wine and chocolates or to explain the qualities of each wine to your guests.
- Hire a limousine service to escort guests to and from the party – this gives the party a glamorous touch.
Your party is sure to be a hit among your friends. Just be sure to relax and have a good time with your friends while you indulge in the decadent combo of wine and chocolate. You may even consider starting a monthly wine and chocolate tasting group with a new person hosting the event each month.
Bridal showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties and anniversary parties can all use the wine and chocolate pairing theme.
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