Chocolate Pairing Guide
Unlock the art of chocolate pairing. Discover how different cacao percentages, origins, and flavor profiles match with wines, spirits, and gourmet accompaniments.
Chocolate Pairing Tool
Discover perfect pairings for every type of chocolate
Select Chocolate Type
Rich, intense, and complex with minimal added sugar
🍷 Wine & Spirits Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon
★★★Bold tannins complement dark chocolate bitterness
Port Wine
★★★Sweet fortified wine balances intensity
Bourbon
★★Oak and vanilla notes harmonize with cacao
Single Malt Scotch
★★Smoky notes enhance chocolate depth
Zinfandel
★Fruity notes provide contrast
Export Your Pairing Guide
Download all pairing recommendations for Dark Chocolate
Pairing Strength Legend
Mastering Chocolate Pairing
Understand Cacao Percentages
Milk chocolate (30-40%) pairs with sweeter wines, while dark chocolate (70%+) complements bold reds and aged spirits. The higher the cacao, the more intense the pairing should be.
Consider Origin & Terroir
Single-origin chocolates have distinct flavor profiles. Ecuadorian cacao offers floral notes, while Madagascar brings fruity acidity. Match these nuances with complementary beverages.
Balance Sweet & Bitter
Pair sweet chocolates with beverages that have good acidity or slight bitterness. For bitter dark chocolate, look for sweet fortified wines or caramel notes in spirits.
Temperature Matters
Allow chocolate to reach room temperature for full flavor release. Taste from mild to intense to avoid overwhelming your palate.
Pro Tip: The Five S's of Chocolate Tasting
- See: Examine the chocolate's color and sheen
- Snap: Listen for a clean break (sign of proper tempering)
- Smell: Identify aromatic notes before tasting
- Savor: Let it melt on your tongue, don't chew
- Sip: Cleanse palate with water, then try the pairing
Expert Resources
C-spot (Chocolate Reviews)
Comprehensive chocolate reviews and ratings from industry experts and enthusiasts.
Fine Chocolate Industry Association
Organization promoting fine flavor chocolate and sustainable cacao production.
International Chocolate Awards
Global competition celebrating the finest craft chocolate makers worldwide.
Cocoa Runners
Craft chocolate subscription and education platform with tasting guides.