What to drink with chocolate dessert
Short answer: Ruby Port or Banyuls. Runner-up: Stout or Pedro Ximénez sherry.
Why it works
Dessert wine must be sweeter than the dish; ripe berry notes pair with cocoa.
Rule of thumb: the wine should be at least as sweet as the dessert, otherwise it tastes thin and sour. Dark chocolate suits ruby Port.
Quick picks
- Best match: Ruby Port or Banyuls
- Alternative: Stout or Pedro Ximénez sherry
- Avoid: very tannic or heavily oaked wines unless the dish is rich red meat.