Last weekend I went to Monaco with a very charming young man. We were all set to see a matinee, snuggled up in those overstuffed leather chairs at Prive, when there was a slight hitch in the plan. Upon our arrival (albeit a few minutes late) the show was sold out. Awkward? Yes! However, we managed to improvise an even sweeter first date.
With time to kill we sauntered up to Prive and bee-lined for the wine bar. I’ve tasted many wines, from Napa to the Wilmette Valley, and have never seen a wine machine like the beast at Prive. Dubbed the “enomatic machine” it provides patrons with a chance to choose wines by the ounce or by the glass. This gives the connoisseur myriad choices to taste, and a chance to experience different vintages at a reasonable price. Score!
We decided to pair four different types of wine with a few choice picks from a box of Godiva chocolates. In general it is a good idea to pair lighter chocolates with lighter wines and darker chocolates with full-bodied wines. Go from light to dark in your tasting session. Here are a few other pointers:
The Taste
Sip the wine and let it fill your mouth. Then take a small bite of the chocolate and let it sit on your tongue. When it just begins to melt, sip the wine again, and swirl together with the chocolate.
Zinfandel & White Chocolate
Zins tend to have a heavier tannic content and often a higher alcohol level and partnering it with a creamy white chocolate can have an unusual melding affect. It’s like the tannins get softened out by the fat content and make for a remarkable potential for pairing. Pair a Zinfandel with a white chocolate and raspberry Godiva and you will not be disappointed.
Cabernet Sauvignon & Dark Chocolate
Cabs go best with dark chocolate. Dark or bittersweet chocolates needs a wine that offers a roasted, slightly robust flavor itself, with perhaps a hint of its own chocolate notes. The bouquet really pops when pairing a Cab with a dark chocolate. Do it.
Pinot Noir & Milk Chocolate
A Pinot Noir will complement milk chocolate or a creamy chocolate mousse. Swirl the wine in the glass and note the color and viscosity (also called legs if you really want to impress your date).
While this was an improvised first date it was super sweet because of the conversation we were able to have. Guys and gals feel free to use this idea to impress your special friend soon. Or, if you know of any great first date ideas please share them!
