Easter for adults - wine to enjoy with chocolate

We are not suggesting you abide by strict wine pairing rules when eating your way through the easter chocolate stash - no one’s about to follow a sommelier’s handbook while unwrapping Easter eggs. But if you’ve just come off the back of Lent (or, just really enjoy chocolate), why not make the most of your stash with a glass of something delicious in hand? Here are a few of our favourite combinations that’ll elevate your Easter treats.

Dark Chocolate
Bold and bitter dark chocolate has a way of making red wines shine. The rich cocoa kick brings out all those juicy, ripe fruit notes in reds like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Feeling fancy? A fortified sweet wine with some jammy depth will level up a dark chocolate dessert perfectly.

The Bottle Shop recommends - San Marzano, '62 Anniversario' Primitivo di Manduria

Milk Chocolate
Creamy, smooth, and sweet – milk chocolate loves a red that’s on the lighter, fruitier side. A new world Pinot Noir or Beaujolais showing notes of cherries, berries and red fruit will add just the right contrast to all that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

The Bottle Shop recommends - Miles Mossop, 'Chapter One' Cinsault

White Chocolate
White chocolate calls for bubbles! The sweetness and creaminess of white chocolate pairs perfectly with sparkling wines – especially those with brioche or berry notes. Pop a bottle of Champagne or reach for a vibrant pink berry-packed fizz.

The Bottle Shop recommends - Flint Vineyard, Charmat Rosé

Fruit & Nut
Things get interesting here. Chocolate with extras (nuts, dried fruit, or spice) deserves a wine that can play along. Spiced dark chocolate? Bring in a red with pepper or clove. Nutty pralines? Try something toasted and smooth.
And don’t sleep on Port… those raisiny, almondy, candied-fruit notes are made for this! If you haven’t sipped a glass since Christmas, Easter is calling.

The Bottle Shop recommends - Dona Antonia, 10 year old White Port