- Why did it separate?
- Overheating chocolate or acidic wine can curdle cream. Fix it by blending in a splash of warm cream with an immersion blender.
- Which chocolate?
- Minimum 60% dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is too sweet and weak against the wine.
Red Wine Chocolate Sauce
Chocolate and red wine are a natural pair: both are rich in tannins and complex flavors. This sauce is a grown-up ganache where the wine's fruitiness cuts through the density of the chocolate. Perfect for venison, steak, or drizzled over panna cotta.
Ingredients
3.5
oz
dark chocolate (min 60%, chopped)
1/2
cup
full-bodied red wine (Merlot or Cabernet)
1/4
cup
granulated sugar
1/2
cup
heavy cream
1.5
tbsp
cold butter
1
pinch
salt (crucial!)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Heatproof bowl
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Simmer wine and sugar in a saucepan until reduced by half to a syrup.
Tip: Removes alcohol bite, leaving fruit essence.
2
✓
Remove from heat. Add cream and chopped chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute.
Tip: Letting the heat penetrate the chocolate prevents graininess.
3
✓
Whisk slowly from the center outward until smooth.
Tip: Create a stable emulsion.
4
✓
Whisk in butter and salt until glossy.
Tip: Salt highlights chocolate flavor and tames bitterness.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate (min 60%, chopped)
- 1/2 cup full-bodied red wine (Merlot or Cabernet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 tbsp cold butter
- 1 pinch salt (crucial!)