Can you pair Champagne & Chocolate?

What might have been a confrontational question several years back within the industry, one to spark a heated debate, today the subject is very approachable. Even Champagne Laurent-Perrier find themselves tackling the subject: ‘Ten years ago, who would have imagined pairing Champagne with chocolate?‘

For consumers, Champagne (and sparkling wine) with chocolate have long been a recognised and desired pairing – Romance might be the theme when these two come together, but there is also a delicate side to the combining of bubbles and chocolate.

Many hotels will send up a bottle of this famous duo, Champagne with chocolates / strawberries dipped in chocolate, florists will spoil your loved one with floral delights accompanied with this duo, they are a popular mix for hampers and even fine dining locations will suggest pairing chocolate desserts with (rosé) Champagne.

Champagne and Chocolate Dessert at Duval-Leroy dining

There are a variety of chocolates to choose from, which helps to aid pairing with sparkling wines.

Chocolate: White / Milk / Dark / Fruit and more, with varying quality from producers globally. Countries such as the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia and Brazil produce cocoa, though Switzerland and Belgium will carry the mantle as the experts of Chocolate Makers.

• – Demi-Sec or lightly sweet champagnes balance the bitterness of dark or milk chocolate.
• – Rosé champagnes pair ideally with chocolate desserts containing red fruits.
• – Dry and mineral champagnes can accompany cocoa in savoury dishes (sauces, garnishes) to reveal all the aromatic nuances. https://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/guide-and-tips/create-food-and-champagne-pairings/desserts/champagne-chocolate-pairing/