The Black Forest Alchemy of Jasper Ridge Syrah and Whittaker’s 50/50

At Jasper Ridge, we’ve always believed that wine is best enjoyed in good company and sometimes, that company is chocolate.

In a happy accident (or perhaps divine pairing), we discovered that our 2023 Syrah dances particularly well with Whittaker’s 50% Dark 50% Milk chocolate. On their own, both are already indulgent in their own right. Our Syrah, with its plush dark cherry core and subtle oak spice, and Whittaker’s 50/50, a perfect marriage of velvety dark chocolate depth and the silky creaminess of milk.

But put them together and something magic happens.

The bright cherry fruit in the Syrah lifts the cocoa tones in the chocolate, while the chocolate softens the wine's spice, layering in a rich, cake-like complexity. 

What emerges is something entirely unexpected and deliciously nostalgic, it creates an echo of Black Forest gateau. Think cherry liqueur-drenched sponge, generous swirls of dark chocolate ganache, and a silky whipped cream finish but in sippable, bite-sized form.

Whether you're finishing a meal or simply craving something special, this pairing is more than a treat it's a moment.

Try it yourself: Break off a square of Whittaker’s 50/50, let it melt slowly on your tongue, and follow with a sip of our 2023 Syrah. Close your eyes. You might just find yourself transported to the heart of a forest dessert dream.

Because sometimes, the best pairings aren’t planned — they’re discovered.