Chocolate & Wine: Cliché or Match Made in Heaven?
Among the biggest of Valentine’s Day clichés are wine and chocolate. And that makes sense, right? After all, It seems completely natural to pair them, but you’d be surprised just how much these two have in common and how their “love story” brought them together into the inseparable pair we know today.
!Wine and chocolate, what a lovely pair!
The Beginning - Pasts Steeped in History:
As you may know, wine dates back thousands of years, getting its start over 8,000 years ago in ancient China, before spreading to Georgia and later Egypt. In 200 AD, the Romans began storing their wine in barrels, and in France 800 years later, the Chateau De Goulaine became the first family-owned winery, and it’s still in operation today.
Over the years, there’s been a lot of changes as wine has made its way around the globe, but one thing has remained—its place as a drink of celebration - especially in the case of red wines, in its role as a powerful aphrodisiac.
As for chocolate, its tale is a bit more bittersweet. The origin of chocolate can be traced to the ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico, and later the Mayans, who popularized it. But you may be surprised to learn that the chocolate of today is little like the chocolate of the past. Throughout much of history, the cacao seeds that form the foundation of chocolate were left in their naturally bitter state. Because of this, instead of the sweet confections, you’d expect to enjoy today, chocolate in the past was enjoyed as a bitter beverage.
Coming Together At Last:
Chocolate and wine have been coming together since 1672 when 17th-century English cookbook author Hannah Woolley published a recipe for a chocolate drink containing claret, a Bordeaux-style red wine. Since then, chocolate and wine have been celebrated as a natural pair.
But why do they work so well together?
Chocolate and wine both excite the senses and perpetuate desire, traits that have led people for centuries into believing they are aphrodisiacs. In addition, red wine and dark chocolate are both known for their health benefits, making them natural partners, especially for Valentine’s Day.
The perfect match!
Here are just a few of the things that chocolate and wine have in common:
They are both natural aphrodisiacs
The experience of chocolate & wine tastings both draw out the sensual complexities of their flavors
They both carry weight and psychologically signify awaiting pleasure
The clinking of a wine glass and the snap of a chocolate bar both excite attention & increase anticipation
Both must be consumed slowly to be fully enjoyed, further cementing a satisfying sensory experience
Regardless of how you prefer to pair them and bring them together, chocolate and wine have come together like fated lovers across the centuries and around the world.
So are they a bit cliché?... Undoubtedly.
But it’s easy to see how chocolate and wine have earned their reputation as the epitome of love, indulgence, and delicacy.
Sharing The Love:
Only the best for you and your sweetheart!
This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to put together a special wine and chocolate package that you’ll fall in love with.
Whether you prefer the rich and light-bodied flavors of Barbera, with its subtle fruity notes that kiss the tongue, or the semi-sparkling sweet taste of Brachetto, we’ve paired them with the perfect partner no matter your pleasure.
We’ve paired these world-class wines with rich, European-inspired confectionery chocolate from Gräem Nuts & Chocolate, which is just as decadent and soul-meltingly blissful as it sounds.
The sweet decadence of these chocolates combines with the magical finish of our finest wines to create the perfect Valentine’s Day pair to share, no matter which wine you love most!
