The Myth of Cabernet and Chocolate

It may sound romantic—even inspired—but as marriages go, cabernet and chocolate are a match made in hell (or in the depths of the marketing department). Chocolate is an extremely powerful, profound, and complex flavor. Its deep bitterness accentuates the tannin in cabernet sauvignon, making the wine taste severe and angular. Chocolate’s rich fruitness blows away cabernet’s graceful fruity nuances, making the wine taste drab and hollow. Moreover, chocolate’s profound sweetness makes most dry wine taste sour. In short, the would-be dominatrix chocolate needs a partner more powerful than herself. Which may be one of the reasons sweet, luscious, opulent Port is a life necessity.