Many of my friends will be happy to hear that January 27 is Chocolate Cake Day. I’m not much of a baker and chocolate cake is typically not my top dessert choice. But, pair it with a yummy wine, and I’m in! There are actually a number of wines that would pair well with a gooey chocolate cake, and some may surprise you. Here are a few recommendations. If you don’t bake…find a friend that does and bribe them with wine, or just grab a bottle and share it over a slice from your favorite bakery!
Port
Ports pair well with a big slice of dark chocolate cake. Not long ago, I challenged my dear friend who shares some pretty tasty recipes over at A Girl In The South to put together a gooey chocolate dessert to pair with one of my favorite ports, Heitz Ink Grade. Man, did she hit the nail on the head with this one (check it out).
Port-Style Dessert Wine
Try a port-style dessert wine with a slice of black forest or red velvet cake. One of my personal favorites with the Cuvaison Espiritu. This is a port-style wine made with Petite Syrah grapes and fortified with brandy. YUM.
Sparkling Wine
A dry or rose sparkling wine would pair well with any slice of cake. To get a nice dry sparkling, pick out a brut. One of my favorites is Roederer Estate, which can be found at larger beverage stores and usually under $20!
Cabernet Sauvignon
That’s right. A the right cab will pair well with chocolate cake. Did you stock up on ding dongs with the crash of Hostess?? Open up a fruity cab and dive in! I’d recommend a bottle of Niner. It is a softer cabernet with subtle flavors. It would balance the chocolate rather than compete with it.
What wine would you pair with a slice of chocolate cake?