Wine and chocolate go together very well and one of the finest chocolate I’ve tasted in quite awhile is Brix Chocolates. We recently had a taste test of Brix Chocolates at one of our in-home blogger parties. Everyone there was thrilled with the smooth taste. I personally couldn’t get enough of the extra dark chocolate. It wasn’t bitter at all and very smooth and creamy.
Brix Chocolates is a company started by Dr. Nick Proia, an Ohio pulmonologist. Dr. Proia crafted the four blends of what would later be called Brix – the first chocolate specifically blended to compliment wine. At their root is single origin Ghanaian chocolate, known for its red fruit tones, mixed with the highest quality confectionary chocolate. The result is a blend so pure in flavor that it actually enhances those nuances found in great wines, without confusing the palate.
Brix Chocolate Wine Variety Gift Set is perfect for hosting a wine and chocolate party and costs around $26
Brix Chocolates come in a block so you can break of chunks and place them in a bowl or on a cutting board for tasting. If you are hosting a wine and chocolate pairing party, put a bottle of wine of champagne next to each chocolate it goes with so you guests can easily see which chocolate pairs the best with which wine.
Our favorite type of wine to pair Brix chocolates with is Sweet Red wine, sparkling is even better. The full-bodied sweet wine goes well with all of their chocolates.
Here is a simple wine and chocolate pairing chart from Brix Chocolates to help you decide which wine to serve.
Extra Dark Chocolate pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Barolo, and Malbec
Medium Dark Chocolate pairs well with Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Chianti, and Rhone
Smooth Dark Chocolate pairs well with Champagne, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Vintage Port
Milk Chocolate pairs well with Port, Sherry, Dessert Wines, Rose, and Burgundy
How to Pair Wine and Chocolates
Prepare the Wine and Chocolates: The chocolate should be served at room temperature, and the wine at the temperature recommended for the varietal. Cleanse your palate with tepid water or a bland cracker.
Taste the Wine: Swirl the wine around to coat the side of the glass and release the aromas. Put your nose close to the glass. What scents do you detect? Now sip the wine, swirl in your mouth, and notice the various flavors. Is it fruity or dry? Acidic or flat? What notes are evident? When you’re done, cleanse your palate.
Savor the Chocolates: Break off a bite-sized piece of Brix chocolate. Take in the aroma, identify the smells (berry, spice, etc.) and look at its rich color. Place the chocolate in your mouth and let slowly dissolve. What flavors do you detect? How would you describe the texture?
Taste the Wine Again: Swirl the wine in your mouth so it blends with the chocolate. How have the flavors of the wine and chocolate changed? Are any of the notes in the wine more evident?
You can buy Brix Chocolates in a handy party pack that includes the three dark chocolates mentioned above and also milk chocolate. Brix Chocolates also come in handy, individually wrapped, bite-size pieces.
Disclosure: Brix Chocolates sent us some of these chocolate party kits for our blogger party. Some of the contents of this post is from the Brix Chocolates website (how to taste and the chocolate chart). We are in love with Brix Chocolates and all opinions are our own
Therese says
These chocolates were great!