Chocolate Pots de Crème with Amaretto Cherries and Hazelnuts paired with 2019 Bancroft Ranch Merlot
Rich, silky, and deeply satisfying, chocolate pots de crème are a classic dessert that reward thoughtful wine pairing. When layered with amaretto soaked cherries and toasted hazelnuts, the dish gains warmth, texture, and subtle sweetness that call for a wine with both structure and restraint. Enter Beringer’s 2019 Bancroft Ranch Merlot.
Servings: 4-6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30-35 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: About 3 hours
Ingredients
- 6 oz high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- Whipped cream (optional)
Directions
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Warm over medium heat until just beginning to steam. Do not boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. This prevents curdling.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Divide the mixture among small ramekins. Place ramekins in a baking dish and carefully add hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the centers are just set with a slight wobble.
- Remove from the water bath and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, amaretto, and sugar. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly syrupy. Cool completely.
- Spoon cherries over each pot de crème. Finish with chopped hazelnuts and whipped cream, if desired.
Why This Pairing Works
Chocolate can be one of the most challenging elements to pair with wine. Too much tannin can overwhelm the dessert, while a wine without enough structure can disappear altogether. Merlot offers a natural middle ground. It delivers depth and richness while remaining supple and approachable.
As Beringer winemaker Margo Van Staaveren explains, “When pairing with chocolate, you want enough structure to support it, but not so much that it overwhelms the dessert like a Cabernet might. Merlot strikes that balance. Its fruit profile leans toward dark cherry, offering enough structure to support the chocolate, but not too much. The yummy brown spice from the oak complements the hazelnuts beautifully.”
The Wine: 2019 Bancroft Ranch Merlot
Sourced from Bancroft Ranch on Howell Mountain, this Merlot reflects the intensity and precision of its high elevation vineyard. The 2019 vintage shows layered dark cherry and plum notes, framed by refined tannins and subtle oak spice. Its natural freshness keeps the wine lifted, while its structure allows it to stand up to richer desserts.
This balance makes it an ideal partner for chocolate-based dishes that include nutty or fruit driven accents.
The Dessert: Chocolate Pots de Crème with Amaretto Cherries and Hazelnuts
Chocolate pots de crème bring a velvety texture and deep cocoa flavor that pair beautifully with Merlot’s dark fruit character. The amaretto cherries echo the wine’s natural cherry notes, while toasted hazelnuts highlight the warm spice and oak influence in the glass. Together, the elements create a seamless experience where neither the wine nor the dessert dominates.
Serving Tips
Serve the 2019 Bancroft Ranch Merlot slightly cooler than room temperature to maintain freshness and balance. Keep dessert portions modest so the pairing remains elegant rather than heavy. This pairing works especially well as a finale to a dinner featuring classic Napa Valley reds.
A Thoughtful Finish
This pairing is an ideal way to close a meal, whether you are hosting a small gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home. It highlights the versatility of Merlot, the character of Bancroft Ranch, and the pleasure that comes from pairing food and wine with intention.
Explore the 2019 Bancroft Ranch Merlot and discover how beautifully it complements chocolate driven desserts.
