The Pocket Guide to Wine

Some of the most intense sweet wines are created when grapes develop a condition called Botrytis or Noble Rot. This happens in vineyards when the climate is moist but not too wet. The ‘rot’ sucks away at the water leaving only a little juice remaining, with a specific honey flavour. It is impossible to force this ‘noble rot’ to happen, and the risk is that the other kind of not-so-good rot turns up instead. I know it all sounds horrible but the wines made from botrytised grapes are incredibly special. The most famous wines made with these grapes are Sauternes and Tokaji, which are sought after all over the world.

Valpolicella and pizza are a match made in heaven.

White chocolate – soft whites and pinks; the best match is Moscato d’Asti with white chocolate covered in freeze-dried raspberries. Avoid very crisp, dry wines.

Milk chocolate – soft reds, particularly New World Pinot Noir and some rosés. Avoid heavy tannins or very dry wines.

Dark chocolate – bigger reds but preferably fortified wines and rich sherry: Oloroso with nutty chocolate is heavenly!