Wine and chocolate can pair for exquisite valentine

It never fails that around this time of the year, I begin to get texts and social media messages from friends asking what wine they should be getting to pair with chocolate on Valentine’s Day. After enough years of being everyone’s go-to wine guy, I’ve got an answer down pat, but, if I’m being honest, I’ve never really had a lightbulb moment with wine and chocolate. I’m generally a more-ismore kind of person, but this is one of the few instances where I like my vices wholly separate.

To my mind, the most successful wine and chocolate pairing matches chocolate-covered strawberries with Giulio Cocchi’s Brachetto D’Acqui ($18), a sweet, sparkling Italian red wine. And I realize that, for most people, the phrase “sweet, sparkling Italian red wine” is an instant turnoff, but its pillowy bubbles and strawberry and rose-scented aroma is so indulgent that even the snootiest of wine snobs can’t resist it (Pro tip: It also pairs perfectly with TexMex).

If you think a more classic pairing is needed, then there’s nothing more if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it than chocolate and Port. The high-sugar, high-alcohol Portuguese dessert wine’s natural affinity for chocolate is one of the wine world’s most famous pairings, and even I can admit that it’s a hard one to beat.

Ruby Port, the most common and, typically, the most affordable option, is a fine pairing with a box of milk chocolates, but I’d encourage you to reach for something just a little nicer, especially if you and your partner aren’t regular Port drinkers (though there’s no time like the present to become one!). Personally, I love Late Bottled Vintage Ports. These wines are bottled after 4 to 6 years of aging and marry the qualities of fine vintage Port with Ruby Port’s drink-it-now stylings. These bottles explicitly say “Late Bottled Vintage” on the label (or sometimes just “L.B.V.”). The Dow’s L.B.V. is a personal favorite, though other brands are available throughout the state and generally range from $24-$30.

If you’re really looking to impress, then Tawny Ports are the way to go. With their rich mix of dried fruit and caramel flavors, these wines are perfect for pairing with chocolates and desserts and, similar to whiskey, will have an age statement displayed prominently on the bottle. Ten and 20-year-old Tawny Ports are most common, though you can find older versions in a few shops. I love the Fonseca 20 Year Tawny ($63). I liken it to drinking the best New Orleans praline you can imagine. Who wouldn’t want that for Valentine’s Day?