The most Intense Dark chocolate experience awaits you. Discover our range of high cacao content chocolates. Experience smooth and velvety Intense Dark chocolate made from the finest all natural ingredients. Explore food and beverage pairings and more below.
Intense Dark™
EVENING DREAM®
This milder 60% cacao Intense Dark chocolate is light, yet vibrant. It has the perfect chocolate intensity with a creamier character that makes it a great complement to a variety of foods and beverages.
- DRINKS
- Zinfandel, ideally late harvest
- Vin Santo (Italian dessert wine)
- A cup of latte
- FOOD
- Dried mango slices
- Coconut macaroons
- Caramel popcorn
- Pretzels
Intense Dark™
TWILIGHT DELIGHT®
Our Intense Dark 72% cacao is a deep, velvety chocolate with hints of mocha, blackberry and dark cherry that create an unrivaled chocolate intensity. It’s a great match for foods and beverages with a robust flavor.
- DRINKS
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- A snifter of Cognac
- A warm cup of black tea
- FOOD
- Sweet baguette
- Toasted almonds
- Dried fruits such as figs, raisins and dried cherries
Intense Dark™
MIDNIGHT REVERIE®
With 86% cacao, this luxuriously deep Intense Dark chocolate delivers the ultimate chocolate intensity. Its robust flavor and warm chocolate notes accompanied by hints of dark cherries and dried plums pair perfectly with other strong flavors.
- DRINKS
- Syrah, or any dry red wine
- Vintage Port
- Sauternes (French dessert wine)
- FOOD
- Roasted and salted macadamia nuts
- "Fig spread" on a slice of toasted baguette
- Fruit jellies (paté de fruits)
- Gourmet marshmallows
Intense Dark™
SEA SALT SOIREE™
A blend of sweet dark chocolate, slow-roasted almonds and coarse crystals of sea salt make this Intense Dark flavor the epitome of sweet and salty perfection. Its peaks of saltiness create a mouth-watering reaction with a variety of bold-flavored pairings.
- DRINKS
- Sweeter beers such as a Porter or Stout
- Añejo Tequila (aged Tequila)
- Shiraz
- FOOD
- Dried, sweetened black cherries
- BBQ potato chips
- Candied orange peel
Intense Dark™
HAZELNUT HEAVEN™
Our luxuriously velvety chocolate infused with crunchy, deep-roasted hazelnuts is a truly heavenly Intense Dark chocolate experience. Its rich hazelnut flavor pairs perfectly with both complementary and contrasting accompaniments.
- DRINKS
- Nut-flavored liqueurs such as Frangelico
- Red wines – full flavored such as Barbera
- FOOD
- Dried, sweetened ginger pieces
- Fresh figs
- Your favorite biscotti
Intense Dark™
TOFFEE INTERLUDE®
Dark crunchy toffee, caramelized almonds and deep velvety chocolate combine to make time stand still. When paired with contrasting foods and beverages this slightly sweeter Intense Dark flavor makes for a tantalizing treat.
- DRINKS
- Riesling, ideally late harvest
- Cream sherry
- A cup of chai
- Drambuie
- FOOD
- Salt & vinegar chips
- Chex® party mix
- Pretzels or popcorn
Intense Dark™
ESPRESSO ESCAPE®
Deep-roasted espresso beans and hints of dark cherry accent this luxurious dark chocolate. Complex flavors combine in perfect harmony to give this Intense Dark chocolate remarkable depth and a spicy character that goes well with a variety of softer, sweeter pairings.
- DRINKS
- Tawny or Ruby Port
- Madeira
- A cup of hot chocolate
- FOOD
- Brioche or croissant
- French toast
- Marshmallows – make adult S’mores!
INTENSE DARK™ PAIRING PARTIES
Luxuriously indulgent. Socially sophisticated. Delectably unique. Your next get together can be all that and more with Ghirardelli® Intense Dark chocolate.
CHOOSE YOUR OCCASION
Whether it’s girl’s night out, an afternoon brunch with friends or just because, any time is the perfect time for discovering dark chocolate and its perfect food and beverage pairings.
SPREAD THE WORD
Simply tell your friends or send out personalized invitations to let everyone know about your luxurious chocolate-pairing plans.
CREATE YOUR MENU
Select 3-5 kinds of your favorite Intense Dark chocolates. Plan on ½ oz of each flavor per guest - have a few extra on reserve. Provide unsalted crackers and water to cleanse the palate between tastings. Then choose several spirits and foods to pair with your selected chocolates. For suggestions, check out our pairing recommendations.
USE YOUR ARTISTIC FREEDOM
During the party, supply each guest with a note pad and pencil. Have them jot down the flavors they experienced and the pairings they liked most, then compare.
Remember, when it comes to chocolate pairings and parties, it’s all about what you like best.
HOW TO TASTE
Discover how to truly lose yourself in all that is Intense Dark™ chocolate. Experience the aroma, the appearance, the texture and even the sound. Get all your senses involved for the most intense dark chocolate tasting.
ADMIRE the attractive gloss that’s unique to fine chocolate.
TAKE IN the aroma of rich, deep chocolate, hints of toasted nuts, roasted coffee, dried fruit and more.
LISTEN for the “snap” when you break it in half. That’s your first clue to the texture and quality of the chocolate.
HOLD the chocolate against the roof of your mouth. Revel in the velvety smooth texture as it begins to melt.
SAVOR the flavors that fill your mouth. It’s so much more than simply chocolate.
Now you’re ready to enjoy some luxurious Intense Dark chocolate pairings.
