We often think of pairing wine and cheese for a party, but you can kick it up a notch with a wine and chocolate party. For a girls' night out or a sophisticated couples' evening, the wine and chocolate party is new, luxurious -- and simple to carry off.
Here are a few pointers for a successful wine and chocolate party:
- Display wines and chocolates in order from the lightest to the darkest. Numbered cards or labels for wines and chocolates allow easy discussion later. Include Sweetique Eggs, which have a blend of milk and dark chocolates, midway along the continuum.
- Pair sweeter wines with sweeter chocolates to avoid taste conflict. In general, the wine should be sweeter than the chocolate it is paired with.
- Consider including filled chocolates, spiced chocolates, and other variations on the theme.
- A plate of water crackers will help refresh palates between tastings. A small knife or two on the tables lets guests slice off a bit of chocolate, or you can cut chocolates into small pieces ahead of time.
- Set out paper and pencils for note-taking. Serious wine-tasters like a flavor wheel to help organize their thoughts, and there's one for chocolate, too.
- Taste wines by swirling a bit in the glass to release the aroma, and then sipping. A breath while tasting the wine will allow the fullest appreciation of the flavors.
- Taste chocolate by allowing a bit to melt on the tongue.
- Have an object or conclusion for the tastings. Score pairings, vote for favorites, or have everyone suggest new pairings of wines and chocolates.
- Once the serious tasting part of the evening is finished, encourage guests to enjoy a bit more of their favorites with conversation
