Pairing Chocolate and Pinot Noir
“Red Burgundy”
Pinot Noir is a thin-skin grape thrives cooler climates with plenty of sun exposure. This varietal is successfully in Coastal areas such as Oregon, California, Burgundy (France), Germany and New Zealand; Burgundy arguably produces some of the very best Pinot Noir on the planet.
There are two major styles of Pinot Noir, the first of which grows in a cooler climate, volcanic soil Burgundian style, which exposes more terroir and earthiness on the palate and transforms into fruit towards the back of the palate. The latter is the popular fruit forward, much more rich ‘California Pinot Noir’ which is exposed to extensive sunlight and a warmer climate. Both are full-bodied. Keep in mind however, lighter-bodied Pinot Noir styles are usually less expensive and less amazing.
Pinot Noir is a food-friendly varietal that pairs well with many proteins — grilled or roasted lean beef, chicken, roast duck, lamb, pork loin, grilled or pan-roasted salmon, tuna, veal and smoked meats, and sweet dark chocolate, especially that with caramel. A full-bodied Pinot Noir pairs nicely with dark chocolate and caramel, although lighter Pinot varietals pair just as well with semisweet dark chocolate.
Shop our suggested selections below, with a four-piece pre-made selection, as well as a "build your own tasting flight" option to host your own chocolate and wine pairing. Please keep in mind, all pairings are subjective person-to-person, and these are mere suggestions to help get you started to find your favorite pairings. We also have posted a wine aroma wheel so your guests can use it as a guideline to discuss what flavor notes/aromas they are noticing with each pairing. Want to share your initial thoughts or your favorite pairings? Let us know here!
Download WWC's Wine & Chocolate pairing notes template for hosting your own tasting party
Build-Your-Own Pinot Noir & Chocolate Pairing Selection
Mix-and-Match our chocolate bar suggestions to build your own pairing flight.