Valentine’s Day is later this week. What better way to get prepared than to pick up some chocolate and some wine. I have been preaching for a long time that you have to be careful when pairing Icewine with sweets. I recently had a chance to speak with Daniel Stubbe the owner and chocolatier of Stubbe Chocolates (www.stubbechocolates.com – 653 Dupont St) he helped me come up with some dynamite pairings. The chocolate bars run between 5-6$ each and are truly exceptional both on their own and with the wine.
Speaking to Daniel he gave me some tips on how to make sure you get the most out of your Chocolate and wine pairings. You need to be aware of serving temperature with Chocolate as many people like to keep theirs in the fridge. He suggests serving your chocolate at just above room temperature but not to the point where the chocolate starts to melt.
Pairings are noted below the wines.
2012 13th Street Detour Gamay/Pinot Noir – Vintages 367565 – $16.95 – This wine embodies all that is great about both Pinot Noir and Gamay with lots of fresh bright red cherry flavours with a finish that has a bit of spice and earth. On the surface Gamay and Pinot may seem like an odd match for a blended wine but these grapes go together perfectly.
STUBBE Pairing: Dark Bar 55% Cocoa Content – Colombia 65% Cocoa Content – The chocolates have just enough sweetness that they bring out the fruit flavours in the wine and the cocoa flavours will complement each other.
2010 Konzelmann Vidal Icewine – Vintages 167866 – $25.10 – The moment this passed my lips I knew it was a very special wine. Flavours of Apple and Tangerine are front and centre with subtle honey mixed in as well. Acidity is perfectly balanced in this wine almost making you forget that icewine is sweet. This is the best Icewine I have tasted in quite some time.
STUBBE Pairing: Milk Bar 34% Cocoa Content – Milk Bar 41% Cocoa Content – The creaminess and the cocoa linger on the palate and work very well with the fruit flavours in the wine. The 41% Cocoa bar has a smokiness to it that when paired to the wine adds depth to both.
See Ya Later Ranch Brut – Vintages 271049 – $22.95 – This is a champagne style sparkling wine from BC. It has the aroma of freshly baked bread and strong flavours of apple. There is a slight sweetness on the finish but it doesn’t linger with nice acidity and the bubbles cleanse the palate. This will be a perfect addition to your valentine’s evening as it will pair great with milk chocolate covered strawberries.
STUBBE Pairing: Champagne (style) will work well with any of the chocolate already suggested but you really can’t beat Chocolate covered strawberries and this wine. According to Daniel the best way to enjoy Chocolate covered strawberries is to make sure the berries are very fresh… If you’re feeling adventurous you can always buy the chocolate and make the berries yourself.
