It finally happened. It's cold out and I often don't want to leave the house. Fortunately, I work at Pastoral and have plenty of "work" to bring home with me to pass the time.

Just in time for blustery weather (and Valentine's Day!), Marenco Brachetto d'Acqui in the half-bottle is on our shelves and demanding to be paired with all of our fantastic artisan chocolate selections.

Brachetto is the grape used to make this slightly fizzy rose-colored dessert wine from Piedmont. Bright raspberry and strawberry fruit and sweetness are elevated by a lemon zest finish and tingly bubbles. Marenco Brachetto satiates those amongst us with a sweet tooth, but has the balance and uplifting finish to keep the interest of those of us who are turned off by overtly sugary dessert wines.

It's the combination of the full body, bubbles, and balance that make Brachetto an immediate friend of chocolates of all styles. Its bright fruit highlights the nuance in the chocolate, while the bubbles and lemon zest finish make the whole experience one that keeps me coming back for another nibble and sip. Bring home this pairing tonight to liven up your winter shut-in or hold off until Valentine's Day to surprise your "someone special" with a unique pairing.