WINE: Just desserts

You may have noticed at your favorite restaurant or at your local wine shop a selection of wines infused with chocolate. This combination is the ultimate dessert. The wines range from very intense chocolate flavors to slight hints of chocolate.

One exciting wine to try this holiday season is Alexis Bailly Reserve

Chocolate Port, a rich port wine infused with natural chocolate essence. Be

careful, though. You do not need a lot. It is packed with 19 percent alcohol and 9.5 percent residual sugar, making this wine a great surprise

for chocolate and wine lovers.

This wine is easily paired with cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries, biscotti or espresso beans. It is also wonderful simply on its own.

Alexis Bailly Winery is located in Hastings, and is open for tours and

tastings. I encourage you to make the trip to this beautiful vineyard and

facility. You can go to the Web site, www.abvwines.com for further

information about the wines, vineyard and tasting room hours.

Other chocolate wines include Rosenblum Desiree Port. This is another port wine infused with light chocolate that tastes like a chocolate coconut cookie.

A new wine in the market is a Dutch chocolate wine called Choco Vine. This is a lighter wine with milk chocolate flavor and is a great addition this year.

If you would prefer your wine and chocolate separately, you can always serve chocolate alongside a bold California Zinfandel or a rich and smooth Syrah, preferably one from France. Or try Cline Cellars Cool Climate Syrah, from Sonoma County, Calif.

Look for samples and recommendations at your local store. Don’t be

afraid to ask questions – or request the staff members’ personal favorites.

They are there to help you.

Tags: ln food, livingnorth