There are a few different types of red wine that can impart chocolate flavors and aromas. The chocolate notes in red wine can range from subtle hints of cocoa to a rich, dark chocolate taste. Some of the main red wine varieties known for their chocolate characteristics include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz, and Zinfandel. The chocolate flavors in these wines come from a variety of factors during the winemaking process. Viticulture techniques, oak barrel aging, and the grape variety itself all contribute to the development of chocolatey flavors in red wines. This article will explore some of the top red wines that have a taste of chocolate.
What Causes Chocolate Flavors in Red Wine?
There are a few key factors that can impart chocolate aromas and flavors to red wine:
Oak Barrel Aging
One of the most prominent ways red wines develop chocolate notes is through oak barrel aging. The oak barrels used to age many red wines contribute vanilla, spice, and chocolate flavors to the wine. This comes from the breakdown of lignin and cellulose in the oak wood over time. The toasted oak barrels interact with the wine, imparting some of its aromatic compounds. The length of time spent in oak barrels, new versus used barrels, and the origin of the oak all impact the level of chocolate characteristics.
Winemaking Techniques
Certain winemaking practices can also encourage chocolate flavors in the finished red wine. Techniques like cold soaking of the grape skins and fermenting at cooler temperatures help extract chocolate and cocoa notes from the grape skins. The method of oak aging and blending of different grape varieties and vineyards can also help achieve chocolate aromas and flavors.
Grape Variety
The grape variety itself also plays a key role in the chocolate profile of red wines. Some red grape varieties are more likely to impart chocolate notes based on their flavor compounds and tannin structure. Grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel are most known for their chocolate aromas when fully ripened. The terroir and climate where the grapes are grown also influence the development of chocolate flavors.
Red Wines with Chocolate Tastes
Here are some top examples of red wines that are known for their rich chocolate flavors and aromas:
California Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon from California regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma often have signature chocolate notes. The warm, sunny climate allows the grapes to fully ripen, developing dark fruit and chocolate flavors. When aged in new French oak barrels, the vanilla and spice notes enhance the wine’s chocolate profile. Classic chocolate characteristics can be found in Cabernets from producers like Heitz Cellar, Schramsberg, and Jordan.
Argentine Malbec
Malbec thrives in the high elevations of Argentina’s Mendoza region. The high UV radiation and drastic shifts in temperature allow for excellent phenolic ripening. This helps bring out the dense, dark chocolate flavors inherent in Malbec grapes. Leading Malbec producers like Catena Zapata, Achaval-Ferrer, and Terrazas de los Andes make Malbecs with milky chocolate, cocoa powder, and cedar flavors with silky tannins.
Australian Shiraz
The top Shiraz wines from Australian regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Hunter Valley offer rich chocolate flavors complemented by peppery spice. The warm climate helps the Shiraz grapes achieve physiological ripeness required for chocolate and mocha flavors to develop. Producers like Penfolds, d’Arenberg, and Torbreck make Shiraz with velvety tannins and dark chocolate, licorice, and espresso notes.
Napa Merlot
Merlot grown in California’s Napa Valley often displays chocolate flavors ranging from bittersweet cocoa to milk chocolate. The alluvial soils and Mediterranean climate allow Merlot grapes to ripen fully and develop plush tannins and dark fruit flavors. When aged in new French oak, the Merlots take on greater complexity and chocolateintensity. Dominus Estate, Duckhorn, and Cakebread Cellars produce notably chocolatey Merlot from Napa.
Mexican Zinfandel
In the Valle de Guadalupe region of Baja California, Mexico, ancient Zinfandel vines produce wines with structure and bright fruit flavors. The high elevation and cool coastal breezes slow down ripening and retain acidity. L.A. Cetto, Monte Xanic, and Casa Magoni make complex Zinfandels with ripe blackberry flavors and undertones of bittersweet chocolate and pepper.
What Foods Pair Well with Chocolate-Flavored Red Wines?
Red wines with pronounced chocolate aromas and flavors pair excellently with dishes featuring chocolate, coffee, caramel, nuts, black fruit, and toasted oak flavors. Here are some ideal food pairings:
Grilled or Braised Meat
The natural umami flavors of grilled, braised, or roasted beef, lamb, and game meats are enhanced by chocolate red wines. The char and smoky flavors complement the toasted oak in the wine.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
Red wines with chocolate notes pair seamlessly with dark chocolate treats like brownies, molten lava cake, chocolate soufflés, and chocolate truffles. The cocoa flavors marry perfectly.
Mushroom Dishes
Sautéed or stuffed mushrooms have an earthy, savory quality that echoes the spice and chocolate flavors in the wine.
Pasta with Red Sauce
Hearty pasta with tomato sauce or bolognese has richness that stands up to chocolatey red wine. The contrast highlights the flavors of both.
Spiced Dishes
The warmth from spices like ancho chile, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg complement the subtle heat and chocolate in the wine.
Strong Cheeses
Bold, salty cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan have nutty, caramel flavors that pair well with chocolate red wines. The cheese softens the tannins in the wine.
Recommendations for Buying Chocolate-Flavored Red Wines
Here are a few tips for selecting quality red wines that feature chocolate flavors:
Look to Established Regions
Focus on red wines from regions like Napa, Barossa, Mendoza, and Bordeaux that reliably produce chocolate-driven wines.
Seek Out Grape Varieties
Opt for red wines made from grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Shiraz that often express chocolate notes.
Read Tasting Notes
Look for tasting descriptors like chocolate, cocoa powder, cedar, espresso, and black cherry that indicate the wine will have rich chocolate flavors.
Talk to Wine Sellers
Ask wine merchants to recommend red wines in your price range with prominent dark chocolate or cocoa characteristics.
Experiment with New Regions
Try red wines from up-and-coming regions known for their complex reds with a chocolate profile, like Chile, Portugal, and Washington state.
Conclusion
The chocolate flavors and aromas in red wine can range from subtle hints of cocoa powder to intensely dark chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz, and Zinfandel are varieties known for their chocolate characteristics. Winemaking techniques like oak barrel aging, micro-oxygenation, cold soaking, and extended maceration help develop rich chocolate notes in the finished red wines. Regions like Napa, Tuscany, Barossa, and Mendoza consistently produce red wines with silky tannins, ripe fruit, and chocolate complexity. When buying chocolate-friendly red wines, look for established regions and grape varieties and descriptors like dark fruit, vanilla, and espresso on the label. Pairing rich, chocolatey reds with savory meats, mushroom dishes, pastas, and dark chocolate desserts can highlight the flavors in both the food and wine. With a huge range of red wines showing chocolate nuances, there are plenty of delicious options for pairing with meals or simply sipping on their own.