Chocolate and Red Wine. A Wine with Legs!

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of being well-preserved, but to skid sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, still screaming, 'Whoo what a ride!" -
Theresa Hollis

A favorite weekend adventure at the Roberts’ house is to find new venues for delicious foods, wines, and music. A recent trip to Chocolate Secrets in the Oak Lawn area of Dallas provided all of these treats.

Chocolate Secrets (www.mychocolatesecrets.com) is an organic chocolatier and limited menu restaurant. Among some of their featured treats are hand-made chocolate truffles, 26 flavors of macarons and chocolate molded specialties.          
                                    

Chocolate Secrets has a family friendly environment with an extensive selection of wines. Owner Pam Eudaric-Amiri has created a truly inviting local destination. Whether it’s a quick stop to enjoy chocolates and an Affagato expresso beverage or the Wednesday through Saturday jazz offerings, Chocolate Secrets is a great place for patrons of all ages.

On a recent visit I enjoyed a bottle of Langetwins Caricature 2013 Red Blend (www.langetwins.com). The Langetwins winery is located in the Lodi appellation and participated during tasting sessions at the Wine Bloggers’ conference that I attended in August. Known as a “Wine with Legs”, this 2013 red blend is a robust mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Teroldego, Malbec and Petit Verdot varietals.

PositiveVines helpful hint – Blending is used to maximize the complexity of a wine. Adding the deep red Teroldego varietal grape from Northern Italy, adds more tannins to produce a fuller bodied taste.

The Langetwins winery is a family owned business that started in the same manner as most Lodi wineries as an agricultural business growing watermelons. Click here to read my recent blog about the Lodi region to learn more about the history of this jewel in the American wine scene. Randall and Brad Lange are twin brothers who own the winery. They embody sustainable farming practices that are predominant in Lodi.

                                   

Caricature’s 2013 Red blend is as fun as the label art is on the bottle. It is a full bodied red blend with blackberry and cherry fruits aged in spiced oak barrels. This is a fruit forward red blend that pairs very well with the incredible chocolates and cheese plates offered at Chocolate Secrets. This wine retails for $15 per bottle and is part of the growing popularity of red wines in America.

I don’t want to forget our entertainer for the evening Darwin Martin. Mr. Martin’s team of accomplished musicians played exceptional jazz. You want to come see him the next time that he plays around the Dallas area. You can sample his smooth sounds by clicking here.

Take a trip to Chocolate Secrets in the near future and enjoy a bottle of Caricature Red Blend with a few chocolates. You will be addicted to the atmosphere, chocolates and this fun, full bodied red wine.

Remember to drink what it is that makes you truly happy and always think positively!

Drink Responsibly!