Wine and Chocolate:  Aphrodisiac Properties

Over the centuries, there have been many aphrodisiacs that purport to increase sexual desire-powdered Spanish fly, yohimbe, almond, figs, ginseng, asparagus, caviar, oysters, chocolate, champagne, bananas (yes, that’s right), vanilla and wine. While most of the foods listed have some properties that increase the sex drive-like the bromelain in bananas that increases male performance or ginseng’s supposed ability to increase people’s want for close physical contact, much of their capabilities are just old wives’ tales. However, there is something about the combination of chocolate and wine or champagne that seems to encourage romance and desire.

Even if you hate Valentine’s Day, almost everyone will, at one time or another, want to create a setting that encourages romance and desire for themselves and a special someone. Subdued lighting and proven pheromone-enhancing scents such as vanilla and almond set the scene, but what seals the deal is what is served: wine, champagne, chocolate-all are effective, especially in combination.

If you decide to serve champagne, cost is not the key to a good bottle. The key is choosing the right variety of champagne or sparkling wine. Italian Prosecco or Asti is generally accessible and easy to find. Domestic sparklers offer a wide scope of choices, but I’d avoid the sweeter varieties, as they seem result in nasty hangovers (there’s still a debate if it’s the sugar or the carbonation that is to blame). Domaine St. Michelle ($15-25) out of Washington seems to fare well with most people who sample it and is inexpensive. French champagnes imply a level of sophistication to some, but they’re often drier than the average person is expecting and have some mineral overtones. The upper-tiered bottles such as Veuve Cliquot’s Grande Dame, Dom Perignon, or Cristal (all run in excess of $100 per bottle) all have had their years (yes, the true champagnes often have vintages), but I’m still not convinced that the price tag denotes a better product.  Moet & Chandon White Star or Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label are both quite fine at less than half the cost. 

If you don’t want to serve a bubbly wine, then opt for something full-bodied and with dark fruits, as it will pair well with the chocolate. Safe bets for those who enjoy a hearty red would be either one of the 2004 Cabernets out of California, or maybe a Douro such as the Duas Quintas out of Portugal.  If you and your guest prefer a bit more fruit, a zinfandel such as the Renwood Grand Pere, Louis Maritini Gnarly Vine or the Cline Ancient Vines are all tasty and run anywhere from $15-45 a bottle. Syrah drinkers who prefer fruit to the pepperiness of Zinfandel can look for the Carmen Syrah Reserve or, if you’re feely particularly flush, the Penfold’s St Henri or the D’Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz (40-$70 per bottle).  Just remember that you need to pair the chocolate with the wine as well.

Chocolates can range from the “green” or eco-chocolates that have the fair trade stamp such as those listed on vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/main.html are available in many local stores (Target, Tochi, and Cashwise all carry some of the brands). But if you’re looking for the truly romantic gesture, there is the truffle. I’m not talking about the mushroom, but the chocolate that is made to resemble it in appearance. Usually made with a creamy center, a hard shell and/or a cocoa powder dusting, truffles generally contain high-grade cocoa (71% or greater) and have a variety of flavors infused within them. Local chocolatiers such as Nicole’s and Widman’s also offer decorated exotic chocolates during the Valentine season as well. A good rule of thumb for pairing said chocolates with your champagne or wine is that the darker the wine, the darker the chocolate. And for those of you, who have an aversion to chocolate, drop a plump, ripe strawberry in the bottom of the champagne flute and see your sweetheart’s eyes light up. Not to mention that strawberries work as a natural breath/teeth cleaner of sorts too-to set the mood. Most of all, remember to keep any meal light if you plan on any sort of physical action later. Stay safe and enjoy.