Tanners & Truffles: The Ultimate Chocolate Pairings

Slightly sparkling, this light fizz is filled with mouth-watering aromas and flavours of ripe red fruit. It’s sweet, but oh-so moreish and makes for a fantastic dessert pairing or evening tipple. It’s a five-star wine loved by staff and customers, so give it a whirl if you haven’t already tried it. If you’re going to enjoy a milk chocolate dessert, why not enhance it with some fresh raspberries or a coulis which will match beautifully with the fruitiness of this wine.

A fruity style of Port that’s ready for drinking. It’s fruity, sweet and named after its captivating colour. There’s no need to decant either which makes this Port very easy to serve. A perennial favourite throughout the year, chocolate truffles are deliciously indulgent and make for a superb Ruby Port pairing.

Pedro Ximénez (PX) is not just for Christmas. Sweet and luscious, this sweet Sherry is bursting with aromas and flavours of smooth treacle and fruit cake. It will work with any chocolate pairing, but it will add a layer of fruit to plain dark chocolate and transform it into a
delicious match.

A perennial favourite, this whisky has a distinct Island-influenced peaty character which is enveloped with notes of smooth toffee and molten caramel. It's been a favourite amongst staff and customers since it launched in the mid-90s and unsurprisingly is one of the best selling Spirits at Tanners. The smoky character pairs seamlessly with the savoury and saline element of the chocolate. Yum!

Fresh and fruity, this Pinot Noir is a real gem without a hefty price tag. With no cocoa solids, this type of chocolate is incredibly creamy. If you’re enjoying white chocolate covered strawberries, this light Pinot Noir is a great match given its fruity character.

Bursting with fresh lemon, pineapple and hints of exotic fruits, this dessert wine has a beautiful balance of sweetness and complexity. It’s a hidden gem of the sweet wine selection. Sweet, not sickly, the zesty flavours cut through and complement the richness of the chocolate.

Sweet, but not too sweet, you may say it’s the goldilocks of the Sherry world. With nutty aromas and flavours, it’s an elegant tipple that will match beautifully with an assortment of nutty chocolates. From Ferrero Rocher to artisan praline chocolates, give Amontillado Sherry a try.

A sweeter style, Cream Sherry will complement the sweet notes of chocolate and citrus. If you’re making the trifle, add a healthy measure to the sponge base for a decadent dessert.

Some wines do have notes of cocoa and chocolate. So, whilst pairing dry red wine and chocolate may seem a little daunting, there are wines that would be a wonderful match which is great news if you’re a fan of red wine. Full of vibrant berry and plum notes and sprinkled with cocoa and hints of menthol, this red is soft and silky on the palate with a long, pleasing finish.

With notes of vanilla, clove and hints of orange, the Welsh Barti spiced rum is an exquisite partner for rum & raisin chocolate fudge. This classic flavour combination cries out to be paired with rum and it’s this delicious pairing that is the perfect excuse to have just one more piece!