February is a month of indulgence and romance, and what better way to celebrate than by combining two of life’s greatest pleasures – red wine and chocolate. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just a lover of sweets, combining these two rich and delicious treats is a wonderful way to celebrate the month of love. Here at Rio Vista Wines, we’ve put together a wine tasting and chocolate pairing that appeals to all the senses. Gather up your loved ones and join us (at cabin seven days a week, on the river on Saturdays) to enjoy the wine and chocolate pairings listed below. Each artisan chocolate is hand-crafted by Merrow Chocolatier and is infused with our accompanying award-winning wine.
2019 Estate Merlot
With an opaque depth of red ruby color, a great overall balance of fruit, big-bodied, and a refined acidic structure, this Estate Merlot is any fisherman’s dream. In the aroma there is an essence of blueberry, red raspberry, dried cranberry, and herbal spices. Dark cherry and plum are this wine’s primary flavors with a very resolved, pleasant tannin structure. We’re pairing this red with chocolate cranberry and cardamom.
2020 Cabernet Franc
Only perfectly cultivated grapes grown at Rio Vista Wines were used to craft this wonderful wine. As you pour this classic Cabernet Franc into your glass, you will be lost in the aromas of jujube, currant, and cedar. The essence of violets and chocolate will remind you of your most romantic dream. Upon tasting, you are treated to layer upon layer of blackberry, cherry, clove and cocoa that will delight every nook and cranny of your palate. The finish continues on for what seems like minutes, but your subconscious wil beg you to take another sip before the last one even fades away. This delectable Cab is paired with chocolate lavender and black tea.
2019 Estate Malbec
Our Malbec is a beautiful deep purple wine that is filled with rich aromas and flavors of ripe plum, blueberry and blackberry framed by notes of violets and rose petals. The medium-bodied red is incredibly diverse, offering both velvety tannins and elegant complexity. Aging in French oak added hints of toasted oak, cocoa nibs and white pepper that linger on the finish. The fruit is integrated with aromatic cedar, black pepper, and nuances of sage and rosemary. Pairing this wine with chocolate rosemary and black pepper.
2019 Estate Smoky Owl Port
Rio Vista Wines loves all of their residents, including the Great Horned Owl. The family of owls have stayed steadfast and true over the years. They work hard maintaining their nest and have continued to keep the rodent population under control. We have decided to honor them and their dedication to Rio Vista Wines with our Smoky Owl Port. This is a dazzling robust blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Think of those night shift hunters while sipping our newest offering. This port makes a lovely pairing with chocolate orange and juniper berry.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Red Wine & Chocolate
February 1-28, 1-6pm | At the Cabin
Rio Vista Wines at the Cabin is excited to offer a delectable red wine and chocolate pairing daily during the month of February. Each artisan chocolate is hand-crafted and infused with its accompanying, award-winning wine; grown and produced by Rio Vista. Indulge your senses with this unique tasting experience today.
February 11, 18 & 25 12-5pm | On the River
Rio Vista Wines on the River is excited to offer a delectable red wine and chocolate pairing every Saturday during the month of February. Each artisan chocolate is hand-crafted and infused with its accompanying, award-winning wine; grown and produced by Rio Vista. Indulge your senses with this unique tasting experience today.
Pick-up Party
February 11, 1-6pm | At the Cabin
More information to come!