I was in NC recently visiting friends.   They are wine club members at the Biltmore Estates and wanted to introduce me to some of their new favorite wines.  I toured the beautiful house and grounds before heading to the “Wine Club Members” special area for a complimentary glass of wine.

I was not disappointed! I found two new favorites, the Reserve Cabernet Franc Dry Creek Valley and The Hunt Red Blend.   If you like full bodied Red’s, these are excellent! While I was exploring the wine selection I noticed a “Chocolate and Red Wine Pairing Class”.    Within minutes I had my friends and I signed up to take the class!  

We walked into a beautiful clock tower building to find tables covered in white linens. Each table was set with 4 beautiful wine glasses and a small silver tray containing locally made artesian chocolates.

Not only did we get to experience the pairing of wonderful Reserve Reds and delicious chocolates but learned the why’s behind the flavor explosions we were tasting.  The gentleman leading the experience, not only explained the attributes of raw cacao beans and how that affects the pairing, but also guided us through an aroma journey.   He demonstrated how significant the sense of smell is when tasting wine by having us taste a jellybean while holding our noses.  There is no taste until you release your nose. 

When paring chocolates and wine a couple of basic take aways…..

-The darker the chocolate, the dryer the wine.  Dark and intense chocolate does not mix with sweet and fruity wine.  

-The sweeter the chocolate, the sweeter and fruitier the wine. When in the Asheville, NC area, I highly recommend making a stop at the Biltmore Estates and checking out their wines!  www.Biltmore.com

Have a glass of  The Hunt Red Blend for me!