One great combination is Zinfandel and dark chocolate. The medium to dark berries coupled with a bit of spice / pepper (you don’t want too much pepper) are natural compliments to the almost bitter dark chocolate. Pick your Zins from well-known Zinfandel regions, such as Dy Creek, Paso Robles or Lodi. Remember to not have too much pepper on the tongue or the taste of the chocolate will be muted.

When picking out a dark chocolate, try to stay near or above 70%. Too light and the intensity of the chocolate won’t match the strength of the wine. Good friend, and fellow blogger, Kelly Staples of dogs2cents.com (a great read about the life of Lucy in wine country), recently paired a Pezzi King Zinfandel from Dry Creek with blueberries and dark chocolate. The fruit forwardness of the wine and the ample tannins mixed extremely well with both the fruit and the chocolate. Much like a decanter is used to amplify the wine’s notes, so to does the chocolate. A simply Zin turned extraordinary with the help of one extra component.

Have you tried Zinfandel and Dark Chocolate? If you, what’s your take on it? I’d love to hear from you on either the comments here or through twitter @haydnadams.

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County (and at times, Napa Valley) looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.

Paso Robles is quickly becoming the new hot spot for California wines. Once a farming and agricultural center, Paso Robles is the home of over 100 wineries and growing rapidly. One of the more predominant names you will find in Paso is Tablas Creek, known for its eclectic Rhone varietals. The winemaking is supreme. All the vines were imported from France, planted in Paso Robles soil, which adapted amazingly to their new home. Many of their wines have been highly praised and decorated by some of the most prolific names in the wine community, and I would imagine, with new blends and vintages alike, they will continue to gain admirers and popularity.

Recently I tried the 2007 ‘Cote de Tablas’ Blanc, dry white table wine. A blend of 38% Viognier, 25% Marsanne, 20% Roussane, and 17% Grenache Blanc, this Rhone style white blend a perfect wine to drink on a warm summer day. Magnificently golden colored, this wine looks like liquid gold in the glass. Aromas of honey suckle entice the nose, followed by hints of white flower and pear. This bouquet continues to the palate and on first taste, you’ll find a creamy round mouth feel, fully equipped with vanilla, tropical fruits, and peach. These flavors linger to the back palate and finish with a refreshing taste. This wine won’t last long in your glass and you’ll probably want to order another!

Order online at tablascreek.com or find this wine along with other Tablas Creek variatals at fine wine locations.

xo,
Ashley aka Your Wine Mistress