Is Bordeaux Red Wine Suitable for Pairing with Chocolate?

Hey, I’m a regular red wine drinker and have tried all kinds of pairings, especially with desserts. Bordeaux reds are mostly dry, with bold flavors, noticeable tannic astringency, and fruity notes. As for pairing them with chocolate—it’s not an absolute "perfect match," but it’s not impossible either. Let me break down my experience and tips to help you navigate this.

Why It Might Not Be the Best Choice

Flavor Clash: Bordeaux wines are typically dry and high in tannins, which can leave your mouth feeling a bit puckery. Chocolate—especially milk or sweeter varieties—is rich and sugary. Pairing them might overwhelm the chocolate’s sweetness or create a bitter, discordant taste. I once tried a Médoc Bordeaux with regular chocolate and found the wine’s fruitiness muted and less enjoyable.
Chocolate Type Matters: Dark chocolate (high cocoa content, bittersweet) can sometimes work because its bitterness complements the wine’s tannins. But with white or extremely sweet milk chocolate, the pairing often falls flat—it just feels messy.

When You Can Give It a Try

How to Pair Wisely: If you’re set on experimenting, opt for a younger Bordeaux with vibrant fruitiness (e.g., a Left Bank Cabernet blend). Pair it with dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa), served at room temperature (wine unchilled, chocolate not refrigerated). Sip and nibble alternately—try wine first, then chocolate, or vice versa—to uncover surprising balances.
My Personal Experience: Once, I paired a 2015 Bordeaux with Lindt dark chocolate, and it worked! The wine’s berry notes echoed the cocoa’s depth without clashing. But if you’re new to this, don’t expect miracles.

Better Alternatives

Honestly, if chocolate pairing is your goal, I’d recommend other wines:

Sweet Reds: Port or Banyuls—their richness pairs beautifully with dark or nutty chocolates.
Other Reds: California Cabernet or Australian Shiraz often offer fruit-forward profiles that harmonize more easily.
Pro Tip: Remember the rule: "sweet with sweet, tannic with tannic." Avoid pairing very dry wines with overly sweet foods.

In short, Bordeaux and chocolate isn’t a classic duo, but curiosity is worth a shot—tastes vary! If you have specific wines or chocolates in mind, let’s chat!