Fairtrade Chocolate and Wine Pairings for National Candy Month

With social distancing guidelines in place, U.S wine online sales rose 224 percent this spring along with an increase in comfort foods. Although states are beginning to reopen across the country that upward trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. For National Candy Month, DC’s Divine Chocolate, partnered with New Dawn Wines, made with 100% Fairtrade grapes to find the best flavor combinations for the next time consumers reach for the treats that provide some comfort. The result is a collaboration of pairing ideas suitable for wine and chocolate lovers alike.

Sauvignon Blanc

Flavor notes: Sour cherry and watermelon lingers on the tongue with this classic wine white.

1) Milk Chocolate with Toffee and Sea Salt: The acidity of this white wine balances out sweetness of Milk Chocolate. The salt brings out the hidden bouquet flavor in the wine.

2) Dark Chocolate with Ginger and Orange: Wine extenuates the tangy flavor of the ginger, making this pairing bright and inviting for wine drinkers of all kinds.

3) Dark Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt: This combination offers a more serious taste, as it deepens and strengthens the cocoa flavor.

Shiraz

Flavor notes: plum, blackberry, and fig flavors settle in a peppery flavor on the tongue. This wine is savory and dry with a smoky aftertaste.

1) 70% Dark Chocolate: Flavor is elevated in this pair, boasting a lovely cinnamon flavor. The vanilla present in the chocolate is brought to the surface here, and will remind you of hot chocolate.

2) Milk Chocolate with Toffee and Sea Salt: This combination has a sweet and rich finish. The flavors melt with the complexity of the wine, making this pair taste just like dessert.

3) Dark Chocolate with Raspberries: This pair provides a very complete feeling, and the flavors are similar and suitable for picky wine and chocolate eaters.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Flavor notes: This wine is not quite as dry at the Shiraz, with an earthy flavor complete with the taste of mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes.

1) Dark Chocolate with Raspberries: This combination blends very well and very smooth. This pairing is suggested after a heavy meal as a light dessert.

2) 85% Dark Chocolate: There is a surprisingly savory, meat-like taste with this pairing, reminiscent of a rich tomato sauce with ground beef as the wine and chocolate mixed together to form a savory and satisfying taste. This pairing is suggested after a lighter meal.

3) 70% Dark Chocolate: This pairing is the basic wine and chocolate pairing, perfect for easy sampling with a friend or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Divine Chocolate is proud to be the only Fairtrade chocolate company that is co-owned by cocoa farmers. Members of Kuapa Kokoo Farmers’ Co-operative in Ghana provide the highest quality cocoa for chocolate, making Divine the perfect chocolate to pair with anything from cheese to peanut butter to wine. For more indulgent suggestions visit Divine Chocolate.