Chocolate wines and Ports are growing in US popularity, but they are products that have gained popularity in Western Europe and South America for years. With proper refrigeration after opening, chocolate wine has a shelf life of 9-12 months and can still be enjoyed within six months when stored at room temperature (unless It contains dairy).
Another trend for chocolate wine growth is within summer cocktail recipes crafted by mixologists who infuse the wine with crushed mint leaves, muddled oranges and cherries, many varieties of flavored vodkas all poured over crushed ice or strained as a fresh martini alternative. It may sound gross, but don’t knock it till you try it. You will not only find chocolate wine in a chilled glass or cocktail, but also in food recipes including many desserts from cakes and brownies to marinades for steaks and sautéed vegetables.
Chocolate Ports can be great stand-alone drinks as aperitifs, but can also be used as “simple syrup” for summer cocktails and martinis.
Look, believe me, the first time I had a bottle of chocolate wine I thought “no way in hell!” It was surprisingly great and you can take my word for it, well, since I “taste” a lot of stuff! Here are a few brands for chocolate wine and Ports that are growing in US distribution:
Chocolate Wine – The Less Expensive Alternative
The Chocolate Shop – Seattle, WA
This juice comes from the Walla Walla Valley in Washington State and runs about 12.5% ABV. The Chocolate Shop comes in Chocolate Red Wine (dark chocolate aromas and black cherry ending in a smooth finish), Creme de Cocoa (a hedonistic blend of velvety-rich chocolate, fine wine, and cream), Chocolate Strawberry (ruby red-color with high tones of freshly strawberries, dark fruit and cocoa), and Box of Chocolate (deep black cherry and lingering hints of cocoa powder).
Chocovine – West Palm Beach, FL
Since 2009, this red wine blends together rich dark chocolate and Dutch cream to create ChocoVine Original (a classic taste of decadent chocolate), ChocoVine Espresso (a blending of sharp, espresso beans and chocolate), ChocoVine Raspberry (reminiscent of a fresh raspberry truffle), and new in 2012 - ChocoVine Whipped Cream (Dutch chocolate mixed with creamy vanilla).
Chocolate Rouge – Modesto, CA
This chocolate and wine infusion is bottled by E&J Gallo in California. It comes in two styles: Chocolate Red Blend (smooth and velvety on the palate and finish) and Rich Chocolate (a creamy and rich wine with silky layers and smoothness).
Brown Cow Chocolate Espresso Wine – Auburndale, FL
This blend of rich chocolate, espresso, wine and cream creates a pretty smooth drink. Though it can be served on the rocks, it lends itself better to be used for mixed drinks and martinis.
Fortified (Port) Wines – The Higher-End Chocolate Wines
Chocolate Zin, St. Michaels Winery, St. Michaels, MD
This local favorite is a blend of oak-barreled Red Zinfandel and dark chocolate which pairs perfectly with chocolate mousse covered with raspberry sauce. “The sin is the Zin.”
Chocolate Amour, Trentadue Winery, Geyserville, CA
Produced from Merlot grapes grown on their Geyserville Ranch, this fortified wine comes from the traditions of port making. Before bottling, Trentadue infuses a tiny amount of natural chocolate extract to the final blend which is suggested over vanilla ice cream or as a stand-alone aperitif.
DECO, Sonoma Valley Portworks, Petaluma, CA
This unique blend of some of the best, fruit-forward ports of the Central and Cucamonga Valleys of California (75%) and McLaren Vale in South Australia (25%) and natural bittersweet chocolate is hand selected, blended and bottled. Lush in taste and perfect alone.
NV Désirée Chocolate Dessert Wine, Rosenblum Cellars, Alameda, CA
This tawny port style wine is full of dark fruit and bold chocolate character. Hints of vanilla, chocolate, and coconut aromas hit on the nose and a rich fruit core swirls on the palate while finishing smoothly.
KODA Premium Dessert Wine, Tarrica Wine Cellars, Shandon, CA
This premium chocolate, dessert wine infuses Paso Robles grown Syrah grapes with the finest natural chocolate essences. KODA lends itself to a delightful finish to the perfect meal or mixed in with served chilled over dark berries from the garden.
I know you may still be skeptical of chocolate wines and Ports, but the next time you have a pool party, pick up a bottle of chocolate wine, pour it into a blender with ice, and enjoy it like a latte. You can even put in your favorite, flavored vodka for an extra kick on a hot day.
Now, which chocolate wine is your favorite?
