Wine, Cheese + Chocolate Pairings, Part 2

If you find yourself hopelessly wandering around the wine section trying to figure out what will go perfectly with the cheese and chocolate in your cart, then this two part guide is for you. Be sure to check out part one. Featured left to right: rosé, pecorino, milk chocolate Although the color is described as sweet, rosé is typically described as dry (the opposite of sweet). The color of rosé is developed from the juice of white grapes and the skins of their red counterparts. This often makes for a more subtle flavor which pairs well with the saltiness and nuttiness of a pecorino cheese, made from sheep's milk. Because of the mild and dry flavor of a rose, a sweeter, creamy milk chocolate makes a tasty companion.

Featured from left to right: Syrah, truffle sea-salt cheddar, dark chocolate with espresso beans Syrah is a fuller-bodied dark red wine that starts out with deep fruity flavors and often tapers to peppery notes. This flavor profile makes a perfect match for the sharpness of an aged cheddar, especially the one pictured, with truffle and sea salt. The depth of flavor in syrah stands up well to the bitterness of dark chocolate with espresso beans in it.

Featured from left to right: Riesling, Gouda, chocolate with caramel and sea salt Riesling, a sweeter white wine, is known for its notes of citrus, apricot and honey. It's these flavors that pair nicely with the bold, buttery flavor of Gouda- smoked or not. A sweet Riesling is also an equal match for a milky chocolate with caramel, toffee and sea salt.

Wine, Cheese + Chocolate Pairings, Part 1

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If you find yourself hopelessly wandering around the wine section trying to figure out what will go perfectly with the cheese and chocolate in your cart, then this two part guide is for you.Featured from left to right: prosecco, triple creme brie, dark chocolate with hazelnut + currant Prosecco, a nice alternative to champagne, pairs well with the luxurious texture and high butterfat content of a triple creme brie. The bubbles in prosecco offer a nice refreshing balance to the creamy texture of brie and the sweet and salty flavor and crunchy texture of a chocolate loaded with fruit and nuts.

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Featured from left to right: cabernet sauvignon, blue cheese, 85% dark chocolate This pairing is not for the faint of heart- or taste. These flavors are bold and complement each other well. The salt and tang of a blue cheese needs something more full-bodied to stand up to its pungent flavor. Enter cabernet sauvignon. Drinkers of cabernet sauvignon often note the flavors of dark fruit, oak and smoke all of which tame the strength of blue cheeses and super-dark chocolate. The red wine and dark chocolate also pack a one-two punch of antioxidants.

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Featured from left to right: chardonnay, plain goat cheese, white chocolate with strawberries Often with citric notes and crisp flavor, a chardonnay balances well with the herbal and tangy flavors of chevre. The lightness of the chardonnay is also a perfect match for a fruity and buttery white chocolate, which can be overwhelming with sweeter wines.