An Indulgent Pairing: Macchia ‘Mischievous’ Zinfandel & BRIX Chocolate

Wine and Chocolate. It can be a polarizing topic, but also a delicious one. In my experience people feel strongly either in favor of the paring or against it. I’m generally against the pairing, not because I don’t like it but, because it can be addictively delicious. Today I am risking addiction by sipping Macchia Mischievous Old Vine Zinfandel and nibbling BRIX Medium Dark Chocolate. Just for you. You are welcome. We received both as tasting samples.

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2017 Macchia ‘Mischievous’ Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi — dense ruby in the glass with generous aromas of ripe berry pie and baking spices. Berry pie flavors along with berry bramble, cedar and dusty earth are supported by smooth tannins. The finish is long and warming. 16% abv. SRP $22

BRIX Medium Dark Chocolate is rich, earthy, slightly bitter and sweet. The balance between sweetness and slight bitterness from 60% cacao is perfect for the Macchia Mischievous Old Vine Zinfandel. The pairing makes each taste more complex. This is why I don’t usually pair red wine and chocolate. I found myself coming back for just one more little sliver of BRIX Chocolate and a one more sip of Zinfandel.

It was an indulgent pairing. And a very satisfying one.

in·dul·gent: adjective

1: willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence 

indulgent grandparents

2: done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure

indulgent desserts

Indulgent is the best word I can think of to describe pairing wine and chocolate. Both are delicious on their own, and each is sufficient on their own, but when you put the right pairing together it can be more delicious than either by itself.

This is particularly true of BRIX Chocolate because it is specifically formulated to pair with wine. But not all wine matches well with all chocolate. So, how to pair chocolate and wine? BRIX Chocolate has some guidelines for you:

Extra Dark Chocolate (70%) pairs with: Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Barolo, Malbec

Medium Dark Chocolate (60%) pairs with:  Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Chianti, Rhône

Smooth Dark Chocolate (54%) pairs with :  Champagne, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Vintage Port

Milk Chocolate (46%) pairs with:  Port, Sherry, Dessert Wines, Rose, Burgundy

Want to learn by doing? Consider attending the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend, February 9 & 10, 2019. The event provides two days of tasting  Lodi wine paired with a variety of sweet and savory chocolate bites at more than 50 Lodi AVA wineries.

Ticket holders will also receive a one-ounce bar of BRIX Dark Chocolate 60% cocoa and have a chance to win wine-themed prizes including the grand prize “Getaway to Lodi” package for two. You will find an overview of the weekend, as well as a more detailed telling of what’s in store on the Lodi Wines website. You can also purchase tickets ahead of time on the website. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!