Is chocolate block wine sweet?

Short Answer:

Is chocolate block wine sweet? The name “Chocolate Block” might conjure up images of a sweet, dessert-like wine. However, the Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block is actually a dry red wine from South Africa. So, why the name? Let’s explore the origins of the name and delve into the true flavor profile of this popular South African red blend.

Let’s delve deeper into the world of block and discover what makes it such a popular wine.

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A Name Steeped in History, Not Sugar

The name “Chocolate Block” comes from the Boekenhoutskloof winery’s location. The winery sits nestled between the Simonsberg and Stellenbosch mountains, in an area with a unique geological makeup. This area is rich in a dark, ferruginous shale, nicknamed “Chocolate Block” by local geologists due to its resemblance to a giant chocolate bar. The wine’s name pays homage to this unique terroir, not to the wine’s sweetness level.

The Chocolate Block’s Flavor Profile

While not sweet, the Chocolate Block offers a complex and intriguing flavor profile. Here’s what you can expect:

Dark Fruit: The wine is dominated by aromas and flavors of dark fruits like blackberries, plums, and cassis.
Spicy Notes: Hints of black pepper, cardamom, and even some fynbos (South African native shrub) can add a touch of intrigue.
Chocolatey Character: Don’t expect a literal chocolate taste. The “chocolate” in the name refers to a subtle hint of mocha or cocoa that lingers on the finish. This can be attributed to the Syrah grapes used in the blend, which are known for their ability to develop these characteristics.
Earth and Tobacco: Earthy notes and a touch of tobacco can add complexity to the overall flavor profile.

The Dryness Factor

The Chocolate Block is a dry wine. This means that the natural grape sugars have been almost entirely converted into alcohol during the fermentation process. This dryness allows the fruit flavors, spice notes, and earthy character to shine through without being masked by sweetness.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Due to its dry style and bold flavors, the Chocolate Block pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider these options:

Grilled meats: The wine’s bold fruit character can stand up to grilled lamb, steak, or burgers.
Hearty stews: The earthy notes complement rich stews and casseroles.
Hard cheeses: Enjoy the Chocolate Block with aged cheddar or gouda cheese.

Conclusion

Despite its name, the Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block is a dry red wine with a complex and intriguing flavor profile. So, next time you see this South African gem on the shelf, don’t be fooled by the name. It offers a delightful dry wine experience waiting to be explored.

Wine - Wikipedia

Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit. Yeast consumes the sugar in the fruit and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process. Wine is most often made from grapes, and the term “wine” generally refers to grape wine when used without any qualification. Even so, wine can be made from a variety of fruit crops, including plum, cherry, pomegranate, blueberry, currant, and elderberry.

South African wine - Wikipedia

South African wine has a history dating back to 1659 with the first bottle being produced in Cape Town by its founder and governor Jan van Riebeeck. Access to international markets led to new investment in the South African wine market. Production is concentrated around Cape Town and almost exclusively located within the Western Cape province, with major vineyard and production centres at Constantia, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

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