Discover The Perfect Pairing Of Dark Chocolate And White Wine With New Lindt EXCELLENCE Pineapple Bar

07 Nov 2014 --- Premium chocolatier Lindt USA introduces EXCELLENCE Pineapple, the newest addition to the world's most exceptionally crafted dark chocolate collection. EXCELLENCE Pineapple offers chocolate lovers a unique and sophisticated sensory experience on its own, and the innovative new bar pairs perfectly with J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay.

EXCELLENCE Pineapple is the first bar exclusively created by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers to complement Chardonnay, and when paired together, the flavors harmonize, intensifying the overall taste experience. Lindt and fine wine partner J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines have developed pairings over the past two years and are sharing recommendations for entertaining experiences, perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

EXCELLENCE Pineapple and J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay
Lindt Master Chocolatiers and J. Lohr winemakers collaborated over the course of a year to create EXCELLENCE Pineapple, a new recipe exclusively developed to pair perfectly with J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay. The experts tested several taste profiles and fruit inclusions throughout the innovation process to determine the most complementary flavors, creating an elevated sensory experience.

The resulting EXCELLENCE Pineapple bar features a blend of silky dark chocolate, elegantly combined with naturally sweet pineapple and caramelized hazelnut pieces. Bright aromas of ripe pear, pineapple and toasted hazelnut from barrel fermentation in this rich, well-balanced Chardonnay provide a delightful finish of caramel and cream when combined with the EXCELLENCE Pineapple bar.

"Most consumers believe dark chocolate should be paired with a full bodied red wine," said Lindt Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja. "It's evident that EXCELLENCE Pineapple and J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay have incredible synergy. The fruit, cream and oak notes of the wine harmonize beautifully with the sweet pineapple and toasted hazelnut crunch in the chocolate. It's pure perfection."

Additional Lindt EXCELLENCE and J. Lohr Wine Pairings
The following chocolate and wine pairings from the Lindt Master Chocolatiers and J. Lohr winemakers promise to elevate the taste experience. For an ideal combination, begin with lower-cocoa percentage chocolate and lighter varietals first, followed by the pairings for higher-cocoa percentage chocolates and full-bodied wines.

- Lindt EXCELLENCE 70% Cocoa, J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon: Ripe aromas of blueberry and black plum meld with a bouquet of chocolate and hazelnut in this superb wine. Pair it with the balanced and rich EXCELLENCE 70% Cocoa, which features notes of tobacco, leather and roasted nuts. They are a match in both depth and body and finish with a creaminess that coats the palate.
- Lindt EXCELLENCE A Touch of Sea Salt, J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot: Red fruit aromas of plum and pomegranate accompanied by a touch of baking spice complement the sharpness of the Fleur de Sel and sweet cacao characteristics of EXCELLENCE A Touch of Sea Salt. Reminiscent of fresh cream and butter, with a pleasant tang on the finish.
- Lindt EXCELLENCE Intense Orange, J. Lohr Estates Bay Mist White Riesling: Enticing notes of lychee, pear and orange are present in this bright and luscious wine. It is the ideal match for the sweet citrus profile and equally complex EXCELLENCE Intense Orange. Full fruit flavors and a balanced seam of refreshing acidity work in harmony to create perfection.
- Lindt EXCELLENCE Chili, J. Lohr Estates Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir: A pinch of chili powder really sets off this Pinot Noir with its aromas of cherry preserves, dried herbs and vanilla. Experience it with EXCELLENCE Chili, a fine, aromatic, sweet dark chocolate perfumed with premium red chili. Enjoyed together, they create spicy warmth that bursts onto the palate.

"With 40 years in the winemaking industry, J. Lohr shares the same passion and appreciation for the craft of winemaking as Lindt does for chocolate," said J. Lohr President/COO and Director of Winemaking Jeff Meier. "We're thrilled to continue to partner with Lindt EXCELLENCE to provide consumers with extraordinary sensory experiences through innovative chocolate and wine pairings."

Chocolate Holiday Entertaining
As an alternative to chocolate and wine pairings, hosting a premium chocolate tasting is a great way to entertain family and friends this holiday season. Tasting fine chocolate, like wine, is truly an experience to be slowly savored and appreciated. Begin with chocolate that has the lowest percentage cocoa and work your way up for the ideal tasting experience. The Lindt Five Senses Chocolate Tasting process is similar to that which a sommelier would embark upon, using sight, touch, sound, smell and taste to fully experience premium chocolate.

- SIGHT: Examine the chocolate's appearance—color, structure and sheen. Premium chocolate should have a silky matte sheen and an even texture.
- TOUCH: Gently feel the surface of the chocolate to ensure it is silky and smooth.  Premium chocolate should never feel rough or grainy.
- SOUND: Break the bar and listen for a loud, crisp snap. A clean "snap" is a sign of good quality and texture.
- SMELL: Take the time to breathe in the rich fragrances before placing a piece of chocolate in your mouth. You will be able to identify a range of up to 400 pleasant and intense aromas. The aroma of the chocolate will prepare you for an intense chocolate taste.
- TASTE: Let the chocolate melt on the tongue and experience an intensely satisfying chocolate flavor coupled with deliciously smooth texture. This is the height of the experience, where your senses work together to produce an overwhelming sensation.

The 3.5 oz. Lindt EXCELLENCE Pineapple bar is available exclusively at Lindt Chocolate Shops and www.Lindt.com. The bar will be available in retail locations nationwide in early 2015. J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay can be found nationally at most major wine retailers and can also be ordered online at www.JLohr.com.