FOR engaging all our senses with its delicious taste, smells and aromas, chocolate is a sensory experience on a par with wine - and never more so than in Chocolate Week (October 13 to 19).
When chocolate meets wine, the tasting pleasure becomes twice as nice. Here's two to pair up with your favourite box of chocolates for a weekend treat.
Chilean Carménère with its complex dark fruit, spice and chocolate notes has been tried and tested by Ferrero Rocher's sensory taste experts to see which of their boxed chocolates works best with this powerful, black wine.
Try Palo Alto Cabernet Carménère Shiraz, Chile (£6, Sainsbury's) which has blackcurrant hints, vanilla oak, chocolate and plum that works beautifully with the rich and rounded flavours. This is a smooth and well-balanced wine at a decent price as well.
The juicy fruit flavours and pretty floral scents of a Californian Pinot Noir can tempt even the most passionate pinot fans, try Underwood Pinot Noir, California, USA (£12.99, M&S). A bright, medium-bodied wine with intense blueberry and raspberry fruit flavours and a lively finish.
Oregon's rich, pine forest-studded landscape and gentle marine influence make a unique climate for producing Pinot Noir with freshness and elegance. It's a bit on the pricey side but well worth the experience when chocolate is on hand.