Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and while romantic dinners and indulgent chocolate are a given, choosing the perfect wine isn’t always as easy.
So this year, instead of reaching for the usual Champagnes and Bordeaux, why not try something different?
Our Rhône Valley wines bring a whole new dimension to the table—Grenache for its smooth, rounded texture, Syrah for its touch of spice, and Muscat for its delicate sweetness. These bold, expressive wines create unexpected yet delicious pairings, from the main course to dessert.
To help you celebrate, we’ve handpicked three exceptional bottles to make your Valentine’s Day even more special!
Why do wine and chocolate pair so well?
Wine and chocolate have more in common than you might think. Both develop their unique flavours based on where they come from and how they’re made—just as grapes take on distinct characteristics from their terroir, so does cocoa.
A great wine can bring out aromas of red fruit, spice, roasted notes, or floral, all of which can beautifully complement chocolate’s rich flavours. So what’s the secret to a perfect pairing? Balance!
A very bitter chocolate can make the tannins in a bold wine feel harsher, creating a clash, while a creamy milk chocolate might fade against a wine that’s too intense.
The key is to find wines that enhance the texture and depth of the chocolate without overwhelming its delicate flavours. Get it right, and the combination is pure magic.
Gigondas from our Les Originels Collection: Where power meets elegance
If you love the bold intensity of dark chocolate—its deep, bittersweet notes—then the Gigondas is the perfect match. From old vines on the rugged slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, this wine combines strength and finesse. Its rich structure and deep, expressive flavours make it an ideal companion for the intensity of dark chocolate.
Why it works:
This wine offers rich notes of black fruit, cocoa, and spices, with a subtle mineral touch. Its natural tension perfectly balances the depth of dark chocolate, especially around 70% cocoa.
Perfect pairings:
- Intense dark chocolate with cocoa nibs
- Dark chocolate mousse with a hint of chili
- Molten chocolate cake with toasted hazelnuts
The extra touch:
Thanks to its careful ageing in tronconic wooden vats, this Gigondas retains the pure, vibrant flavours of the grapes. The result? A wine that combines power with remarkable finesse.
A Red Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: A luscious, refreshing dessert wine
Looking for a rich yet refreshing wine to pair with dessert? Our Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Red is a must-try. Made from Muscat à Petits Grains, this naturally sweet wine brings a fruity, lightly spiced character that beautifully enhances chocolate-based desserts.
Why it works:
Its velvety texture and refreshing character create the perfect balance with dark and milk chocolates, as well as pralines, ensuring they never feel too heavy on the palate. With aromas of red berries, delicate spices, and lychee, it enhances the richness of chocolate while keeping the pairing light and elegant. A perfect way to end a meal on a smooth, fragrant note.
Perfect pairings:
- Milk chocolate with caramelized almond pieces
- Hazelnut praline truffles
- Chocolate mousse
- Molten chocolate cake with raspberry coulis
The extra touch:
Aged mainly in wooden vats and stainless steel tanks, this Muscat preserves exceptional aromatic purity, giving it a rare elegance for a naturally sweet wine.
L’Arcane Les Amoureux: The perfect wine for a romantic evening
A true tribute to the Rhône Valley and the exceptional 2016 vintage, this blend strikes the perfect balance between richness, freshness, and depth. With its bold character and silky elegance, it’s the perfect bottle to open for a romantic dinner or a special evening together.
Why it works:
Its blend of diverse Rhône Valley terroirs, enhanced by the bright acidity of the 2016 vintage, gives this wine remarkable richness and depth. With aromas of black and red berries, pepper, and wild herbs, it pairs just as beautifully with chocolate desserts as it does with elegant savoury dishes.
Perfect pairings:
- Chocolate and red berry millefeuille
- Dark chocolate filled with spiced ganache
- Praline fondant
The extra touch:
With its silky texture and beautifully smooth tannins, Les Amoureux has that effortless charm that draws you in from the first sip. It’s the kind of wine made for sharing—no need for an occasion, just good company and the simple pleasure of a great bottle. And let’s be honest, with a name like this, is there a better choice for a romantic dinner?
Plan the perfect romantic wine tasting
This Valentine’s Day, why not skip the usual dinner and try something different? A wine and chocolate tasting is a fun, indulgent way to celebrate—no fuss, just great flavours and good company. Here’s a simple yet delicious menu to make the evening special.
- To Start: Fresh goat cheese, honey, and raspberry toasts, paired with Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Red. Pro tip: Serve on lightly toasted bread and add a few basil or mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Main Course: Duck breast with a rich cocoa sauce, elevated by the depth and intensity of Gigondas. The bold contrast between the wine and chocolate brings out unexpected layers of flavour.
- Dessert: A warm, melting chocolate cake, served with a glass of L’Arcane Les Amoureux. The wine’s ripe fruit and silky tannins create a perfect, harmonious finish to the meal.
This year, ditch the clichés and make Valentine’s Day all about great wine and unexpected flavours. Go for something bold, delicious, and a little different—with Xavier Vignon’s wines, you’re in for a treat.
Cheers!
