12 Best Chocolate Wines To Indulge In (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on November 26, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Chocolate wine, a compelling fusion of luscious cocoa and finely crafted wine has captivated taste buds for decades.
This delectable creation gained popularity in the late 20th century, ushering in a new era of dessert wines that appealed to those with a penchant for sweetness and sophistication.
With the help of expert sommeliers, we were guided on a tasting journey of the best chocolate wine you can indulge in for special occasions or to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Top 12 Chocolate Wines To Discover
1. Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block Red Blend
Average Price: Roughly $32.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 14.58% ABV
Nose: Intense blackberry, bramble, lavender, potting soil, and cured meat
Palate: Blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, cherries, cacao-powdery tannins
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why I Like It: When I took my first sip, the palate unfolded with a luscious compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, and cherries.
This chocolate wine perfectly balances robustness and sweet notes, displaying a structured yet elegant character.
The dessert wine’s silky finish and rich chocolate flavors left me thoroughly impressed and satisfied.
2. Chocolate Cellar Red
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (We Speak Wine)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Dark chocolate, coffee bean, black cherry, vanilla nuances.
Palate: Dark fruit flavors, chocolate, velvety mouthfeel, hints of vanilla
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: The chocolate red wine has a seductive blend of chocolate, coffee, and black cherry on the nose, setting the stage for an extraordinary tasting journey.
It’s an easy wine [1], and I’m enveloped in a symphony of dark fruit flavors and luxurious chocolate as the wine’s soft and velvety texture caresses my palate.
3. ChocoVine Dutch Dark Chocolate
Average Price: Roughly $9.49 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Chocolate flavor with hints of red wine
Palate: Silky smooth dark chocolate, decadent red wine, full-bodied richness, long and powerful finish
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: As a self-proclaimed chocoholic, discovering ChocoVine chocolate wine was a delightful revelation.
“I think ChocoVine is an example of the cream-based, chocolate wine that became more mainstream..” -Andrew Browne, Proprietor
The harmonious blend of premium Dutch chocolate and French Cabernet Sauvignon creates a sweet, silky, and utterly delicious drink that’s impossible to resist by chocolate lovers.
4. Choco Noir
Average Price: Roughly $13.99 (Rancholiquoronline)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Nose: Chocolate, cream, sweet dessert notes
Palate: Rich chocolate, caramel, hints of fruit, velvety texture
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Choco Noir Chocolate Cream Wine is a delightful indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth like mine.
As I take a sip, the rich flavor of chocolate and caramel dances on my palate, occasionally accompanied by subtle hints of fruit or spice from the chocolate wine.
The smooth and velvety texture of the Choco Noir adds to the overall sensation, making it a true treat for special occasions.
5. PleasantValley-Chocolate Lab
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (WeSpeakWine)
Alcohol Content: 10% ABV
Nose: Subtle cocoa, hints of sweetness, and oaky notes
Palate: Rich dark chocolate notes, light body, delightful sweetness, creamy texture
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: The Pleasant Valley Chocolate Lab is a light-bodied chocolate wine that offers a pleasant taste profile and sweet experience.
Aside from the wine’s acidity, I noticed subtle cocoa notes with sweetness and nutty notes. It’s the perfect choice for a dessert wine that’s easy to sip and offers a gentle, sweet allure.
6. Trentadue Chocolate Amore
Average Price: Roughly $22.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 18.5% ABV
Nose: Subtle chocolate undertones, hints of dark fruit, dutch chocolate notes,
Palate: Balanced wine and chocolate essence, cocoa powder, fruit extracts, full-bodied palate
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Trentadue Chocolate Amore, a red wine infused with chocolate, is a delightful treat that combines the rich essence of natural chocolate with the sophistication of wine.
As I explore its aroma, I notice subtle chocolate undertones and hints of dark fruit, creating an intriguing sensory experience.
The chocolate wine is manageable and sweet. It strikes a perfect balance on the palate, and you can enjoy it with red velvet cake and chocolate pairing, but feel free to use a wine pairing guide.
7. Cocoa di Vine
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Luscious chocolate, hints of creamy sweetness, caramel
Palate: Velvety-smooth chocolate, a delightful fusion of wine and sweets
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: Cocoa di Vine is the ultimate delight for chocolate and wine enthusiasts, combining two of my favorite indulgences into one extraordinary experience.
There are cream or fruit extracts that soften the tannin and acidity [2] of chocolate wine. Taking a sip of this wine, I’m enveloped by the wine’s and chocolate’s velvety smoothness.
8. Red Decadence Chocolate Wine
Average Price: Roughly $16.49 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Black cherry, blueberry, plum, rich dark chocolate
Palate: Liquid chocolate truffle, sweet, cherry, high dark chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: Red Decadence Chocolate Wine is a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalize the senses.
As I explore its aromas, I’m greeted by the enticing scents of cherry, blueberry, plum, and rich dark chocolate, promising a decadent experience.
Red Decadence lives up to its name with each sip, offering a liquid chocolate truffle in one bottle. It’s a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds – the lusciousness of cocoa and the allure of red wine.
9. Zonte’s Footstep Chocolate Factory Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $48 (Wine Collection)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Fresh macerated blackberries, fresh blueberries, licorice, nutmeg, cocoa, cedar, summer berries
Palate: Milk chocolate, blackberries, plums, Christmas spice, supple tannins
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: Zonte’s Footstep Chocolate Factory Shiraz is a chocolate wine that immediately captures the senses with its deep purple hue and garnet-purple highlights.
When I take a sip, rich blackberry and cherry flavors are beautifully complemented by the wine’s soft “milk chocolate” sweetness and roundness.
10. Landon Winery Reserve Chocolate Finale Dessert Red
Average Price: Roughly $20.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 15.9% ABV
Nose: Robust aromas of chocolate, dried cherries, almonds, hazelnut
Palate: Rich, sweet flavor, calming smoothness.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The Landon Winery Reserve Chocolate Finale Dessert Red is a decadent indulgence that captivates with its rich, sweet flavor and calming smoothness.
Landon Winery Reserve Chocolate Finale Dessert Red offers a sensory experience that’s genuinely enchanting and satisfying.
It’s a chocolate dessert wine that lures me in with its harmonious blend of flavors and aromas.
11. Winehaven Chocolate Zom-Bee
Average Price: Roughly $25 (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
Nose: Dark chocolate, cocoa, honey, blackberry, cherry, plum, boysenberry
Palate: Dark chocolate explosion, cocoa, honey, sweet marionberry, blackberry jam, rich midpalate, chocolate ganache finish
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: The Winehaven Chocolate Zoo-Bee is a monstrous red wine that genuinely stands out with its remarkable depth and complexity.
The chocolate flavor takes it to another level, perfectly complementing the generous berry aromas and flavors that define this chocolate wine.
It’s as if I’ve just enjoyed a delectable dessert, all wrapped up in the experience of sipping this chocolate wine.
12. The Chocolate Tube Primitivo
Average Price: Roughly $15.41 (Mans Rimi)
Alcohol Content: % ABV
Nose: Generous fruity aroma, ripe fruits, cherries, cocoa hints
Palate: Robust, big-bodied wine, ripe fruits, lingering cocoa aftertaste
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: The Chocolate Tube Primitivo is a chocolate wine that doesn’t hold back on delivering an exceptional taste experience. Its deep red color sets the stage for the following delightful aromas and flavors.
“A glass of chocolate wine is a hug for your taste buds.” -Liquor Laboratory
As I take a moment to savor its aroma, I’m greeted by a generous fruity bouquet with hints of ripe fruits, cherries, and a subtle invitation of cocoa in the background.
FAQs
Which red wine has a chocolate taste?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that often exhibits cocoa flavors alongside rich black fruit, cassis, and bramble notes, creating a delightful chocolatey essence within the wine.
These cocoa undertones in French Cabernet Sauvignon wines add a layer of decadence, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
What is the alcohol content of chocolate wine?
The alcohol content of chocolate wine typically ranges from 12% to 18%. This alcohol content can vary depending on the specific brand and style of chocolate wine.
Chocolate wines or chocolate liqueur are made by infusing red or white wine with milk or dark chocolates. Winemakers typically use Pinot Noir [3], Ruby Port (like Rubis Chocolate Velvet Ruby), or red wines.
Is chocolate wine any good?
Yes, chocolate wine is good and enjoyable for those who appreciate its unique blend of wine or fortified wine [4] and chocolate flavors.
The appeal of chocolate wine lies in personal preference, but it is a popular choice for dessert wine enthusiasts.
Are chocolate wines really wine?
Chocolate wines are considered wine products but often fall under “wine-based beverages” or “dessert wines.”
Chocolate wines are typically made by infusing wine with cocoa flavorings, resulting in a sweet and chocolatey profile.
In Summary
Some of the most popular chocolate wines mentioned above offer cater to the cravings of both chocolate and wine enthusiasts.
However, Boekenhoutskloof’s Chocolate Block Red Blend is a particular standout in this category. This wine’s ability to balance robustness and elegance was genuinely remarkable.
The way the chocolate wine seamlessly combines a rich chocolate flavor profile with the nuanced flavors of a well-structured red wine is remarkable and worth trying.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine
- https://www.foodandwine.com/wine/what-is-acid-in-wine
- https://www.seriouseats.com/sommelier-best-red-wine-for-white-wine-drinkers
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fortified-wine
