Chocolate Wine – 11 Most Famous Wines To Try in 2023
Chocolate wine is a unique and indulgent type of wine that has been gaining popularity in recent years. As the name suggests, it is a wine that has been infused with chocolate or chocolate flavoring, resulting in a sweet and decadent beverage that is often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
While chocolate wine has been around for quite some time, it has recently seen a surge in popularity, with more wineries and brands offering their own versions of this delicious beverage. Its unique flavor and sweetness make it a perfect pairing for chocolate-based desserts, such as chocolate cake or truffles, and it is often enjoyed on special occasions or as a treat after a long day.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of chocolate wine, including what it is, how it’s made, and how to properly serve and enjoy it. We’ll also discuss the potential health benefits of consuming chocolate wine in moderation and provide recommendations for where to buy it. So, pour yourself a glass of chocolate wine, sit back, and let’s explore this indulgent and delicious beverage together.
What is Chocolate Wine?
Chocolate wine is a type of dessert wine that has been infused with chocolate or chocolate flavoring. It is a sweet and indulgent beverage that is typically enjoyed as a treat or after-dinner drink.
To make chocolate wine, winemakers start with a base of red wine, which can be any type of red wine from Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon. They then add chocolate flavoring or chocolate syrup to the wine during the fermentation process. The amount of chocolate added can vary depending on the winemaker’s preferences, but it typically results in a wine that has a rich and decadent chocolate flavor.
Types of Chocolate Wine
- Sweet Red Chocolate Wine:
- Typically made with a blend of red wines and infused with chocolate flavoring.
- Has a sweet and fruity taste that is complemented by the chocolate flavoring.
- Chocolate-Infused Red Wine:
- Made with high-quality red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel.
- Aged in oak barrels with chocolate for several months.
- Results in a wine with a deep and complex flavor profile.
- White Chocolate Wine:
- Made by infusing white wine with white chocolate flavoring.
- Lighter and sweeter than red chocolate wine.
- Often paired with light desserts.
- Sparkling Chocolate Wine:
- Made by adding chocolate syrup to sparkling wine.
- Fizzy and sweet, perfect for celebrations.
11Best Chocolate Wines
Chocolat Rouge Sweet Red Wine
- Origin: California, USA
- Flavor profile: Sweet and fruity, with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Alcohol content: 12.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of black cherry, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Price: $8-10 per bottle.
ChocolatRouge is a popular chocolate-infused red wine that is made in California. It is a blend of red wines that have been infused with natural chocolate flavors, resulting in a sweet and indulgent wine that is perfect for dessert.
Chocolate Shop Red Wine
- Origin: Washington State, USA
- Flavor profile: Rich and decadent, with a smooth chocolate finish.
- Alcohol content: 12.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and vanilla.
- Price: $12-14 per bottle.
Chocolate Shop Red Wine is a blend of red wines that have been infused with natural chocolate flavors and hints of vanilla. It is a smooth and silky wine that is perfect for sipping after dinner.
Baileys Chocolate Luxe Wine
- Origin: Ireland
- Flavor profile: Creamy and sweet, with notes of cocoa and vanilla.
- Alcohol content: 15.7%
- Tasting notes: Rich chocolate and caramel notes.
- Price: $30-35 per bottle.
Baileys Chocolate Luxe Wine is a unique blend of Irish cream liqueur and Belgian chocolate, resulting in a creamy and indulgent wine that is perfect for special occasions.
Rubis Chocolate Wine
- Origin: England
- Flavor profile: Rich and sweet, with a dark chocolate flavor.
- Alcohol content: 15%
- Tasting notes: Notes of black cherry, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Price: $15-20 per bottle.
Rubis Chocolate Wine is a unique blend of red wine and chocolate that is made in England. It has a deep and complex flavor profile, with notes of black cherry, vanilla, and chocolate.
Le Grand Noir Black Sheep Red Wine
- Origin: France
- Flavor profile: Rich and velvety, with a subtle chocolate finish.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, and chocolate.
- Price: $12-15 per bottle.
Le Grand Noir Black Sheep Red Wine is a blend of French red wines that have been infused with a hint of chocolate. It is a smooth and velvety wine that pairs well with chocolate desserts.
Chocolate Box Dark Chocolate Wine
- Origin: South Australia
- Flavor profile: Rich and complex, with a dark chocolate finish.
- Alcohol content: 14.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of blackberry, black cherry, and dark chocolate.
- Price: $20-25 per bottle.
Chocolate Box Dark Chocolate Wine is a unique blend of Shiraz and Durif grapes that have been aged in oak barrels with natural chocolate flavors. It has a deep and complex flavor profile that is perfect for sipping after dinner.
Ciù Ciù Chocolate Infused Red Wine
- Origin: Marche, Italy
- Flavor profile: Rich and full-bodied, with a dark chocolate finish.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of black cherry, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
- Price: $15-18 per bottle.
Ciù Ciù Chocolate Infused Red Wine is a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes that have been infused with natural chocolate flavors. It is a full-bodied wine with a deep and complex flavor profile.
Red Decadence Chocolate Infused Red Wine
- Origin: California, USA
- Flavor profile: Sweet and indulgent, with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Alcohol content: 12.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of dark chocolate, raspberry, and cherry.
- Price: $10-12 per bottle.
Red Decadence Chocolate Infused Red Wine is a blend of red wines that have been infused with natural chocolate flavors. It is a sweet and indulgent wine with a fruity finish.
Chocolate Amore Dessert Wine
- Origin: California, USA
- Flavor profile: Rich and velvety, with a dark chocolate finish.
- Alcohol content: 18%
- Tasting notes: Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and caramel.
- Price: $20-25 per bottle.
Chocolate Amore Dessert Wine is a fortified wine that is infused with natural chocolate flavors. It is a rich and velvety wine with a complex flavor profile that pairs well with dark chocolate desserts.
VOGA Italia Dolce Chocolate Wine
- Origin: Italy
- Flavor profile: Sweet and luscious, with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Alcohol content: 11%
- Tasting notes: Notes of ripe cherry, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Price: $10-12 per bottle.
VOGA Italia Dolce Chocolate Wine is a sweet red wine that is infused with natural chocolate flavors. It is a luscious and indulgent wine that pairs well with fruit-based desserts.
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Devil’s Collection Red Blend Chocolate Wine
- Origin: Chile
- Flavor profile: Rich and complex, with a dark chocolate finish.
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- Tasting notes: Notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
- Price: $15-20 per bottle.
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Devil’s Collection Red Blend Chocolate Wine is a blend of Chilean red wines that have been aged in oak barrels with natural chocolate flavors. It has a deep and complex flavor profile that is perfect for sipping after dinner.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Wine
One of the most well-known health benefits of chocolate wine is its high antioxidant content. Both red wine and chocolate are rich in antioxidants, which are substances that help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to a range of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The specific antioxidants found in chocolate wine include resveratrol, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Resveratrol is a compound found in the skin of red grapes, and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids and polyphenols, on the other hand, are compounds found in cocoa, and they are known to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, chocolate wine may also have some other potential health benefits. For example, some studies have suggested that moderate consumption of red wine may lower the risk of heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol. Additionally, the flavonoids found in cocoa have been shown to improve cognitive function and may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
However, it’s important to note that these potential health benefits are associated with moderate consumption of chocolate wine. Drinking too much can have negative effects on your health, such as increasing the risk of liver disease and certain types of cancer. Additionally, chocolate wine is high in calories and sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In conclusion, while chocolate wine may not be a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, it can be enjoyed as a delicious treat with potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Its high antioxidant content and potential to improve heart health and cognitive function make it an enticing beverage for those looking for a little indulgence.
