Oregon Pinot Noir - The Perfect Pairing with Chocolate

These days wine enthusiasts have experienced the magic of chocolate and wine parings.  Among the many delightful combinations, one stands out for its harmonious balance of flavors—Oregon Pinot Noir with milk chocolate. Let's explore why this pairing works so well and how you can enjoy it to the fullest.

As a general rule of thumb, Pinot Noir pairs best with milk chocolate. The reason lies in the wine's natural acidity and fruity flavors, which complement the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate without overpowering it. This creates a balanced and pleasurable tasting experience that both wine enthusiasts and chocoholics can appreciate.

Pinot Noir is grown primarily, but not exclusively, in Oregon's Willamette Valley, located just south of Salem. The region sits at roughly the same latitude as Burgundy, France, where Pinot Noir first gained prominence. This geographical similarity contributes to the exceptional quality of Oregon's Pinot Noir.

Willamette Valley boasts more than 700 wineries, each offering unique expressions of the grape. The region is divided into four sub-regions:

North Valley

Mid-Valley

South Valley

West Cascades

Each sub-region provides a distinct microclimate and soil composition, adding layers of complexity to the wines produced.

Oregon wineries experience four full season cycle with cold winters, increasingly hot summers and our infamous plentiful gray rainy days.  This means Oregon grapes see less sunshine which results in a slower ripening.  This produces a lighter wine with fruit flavors like cherry or cranberry while wines cultivated in the sunnier California climate are bolder with black and purple fruit flavors, such as black plum and blackberry.

In terms of color, Oregon Pinots tend to be a little lighter some have even said it has a hint of the color orange.  Meanwhile, California Pinots are more red.

Interestingly, there is also a difference in alcohol content with Oregon’s Pinots being generally less alcoholic and more acidic due to the cooler temperatures.

All of this makes Oregon Pinot Noir an excellent match for the nuanced flavors of high-quality milk chocolate.

For a truly indulgent experience, try pairing a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir with Euphoria Chocolate Company's milk chocolate offerings. Our Milk Assortment, Crème Maison gift box, Milk Chocolate Caramels or Milk Chocolate Classic Truffles are delightful when enjoyed with a glass of this exquisite wine.

Oregon Pinot Noir and milk chocolate make a pairing that’s both sophisticated and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just beginning to explore the world of wine and chocolate pairings, this combination offers something special for everyone.

Ready to elevate your tasting experience? Book a visit to one of Willamette Valley’s renowned wineries and pick up some Euphoria Chocolate Company truffles. You won’t be disappointed!

Cheers to delightful pairings!