Cold, juicy, refreshing…chocolate? You read correctly!  

This summer, we’re bringing you a frozen dessert that satisfies a sweet tooth and yet, is wonderfully quenching. Pair it with summer moments in the backyard as you cool down. It’s fun to make, delicious to eat, and goes well with different wine varietals depending on the chocolate coating you choose.  

Go dark and decadent, sweet and white, or classic and creamy. Here are 3 pairing ideas and why they match so perfectly. 

Milk Chocolate + Pinot Noir

Milk chocolate is sweet and creamy, making it a perfect match for a light to medium-bodied red wine with a ripe fruit character. Our top recommendations are BASK Pinot Noir and Inniskillin Reserve Pinot Noir. 

BASK Pinot Noir: With 0g sugar per 3/4 cup (188mL) serving, this medium-bodied red boasts dark cherry aromas and subtle spice notes. It is well-balanced, making it perfect on its own, with a meal, or with this frozen chocolate dessert.  

Inniskillin Estate Pinot Noir VQA: This classic Niagara varietal offers lush ripe strawberry, cherry and plum notes, complemented by juicy firm tannins. The acidity rounds out this wine with elegance and finesse. 

Dark Chocolate + Merlot

A red wine with fruit-forward flavours will balance out the bitterness found in dark chocolate. We suggest Sandbanks French Kiss and Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Selection Merlot.   

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors’ Selection Merlot: This dry wine is a crowd-pleaser, featuring notes of fresh blackberries, mocha, and plum on the finish, making it an excellent match for the rich flavours of dark chocolate. 

Sandbanks French Kiss VQA: A dry Merlot-Cabernet blend with notes of ripe cherries, raspberries and hints of plum. It is medium-bodied with a lightly oaked finish, perfect for pairing with dark chocolate. 

White Chocolate + Riesling

With a buttery flavour and notes of cream and honey, white chocolate complements a sweet white wine, which cleanses the palate of the chocolate’s rich flavours. We recommend Inniskillin Reserve Riesling and Inniskillin Riesling Icewine.  

Inniskillin Reserve Riesling VQA: This white wine is concentrated and complex with citrus, tropical fruit, and peach aromas and flavours. The palate exhibits a crisp balance of delicate sweetness and acidity, with depth provided by the minerality and rich texture. The extended finish is clean and balanced. 

Inniskillin Riesling Icewine VQA: This Icewine showcases the elegance of tropical aromas and flavours of lemon and lime. The good acidity of Riesling allows for a refreshing mouthfeel within the many layers of flavours that unfold. 

Tips & Tricks

• Freeze Your Watermelon Pieces: Cut your watermelon into plates and then quarter the plates. Place the pieces on a baking sheet with wax paper and freeze them for 1 hour to ensure they are perfectly chilled and ready for dipping. 

• Cool Your Chocolate: Be sure to dip or dunk the watermelon in melted chocolate that has been cooled slightly to prevent your watermelon from melting too quickly. 

• Store or Serve Immediately: Once you've added the chocolate, enjoy the dessert right away or keep it covered in the freezer for later. This makes it a convenient treat for any time you need a refreshing snack. 

Wine Rack Open Late in Your Neighbourhood

Wine Rack is your one-stop destination for all things wine. From smooth reds and crisp whites to fruity rosés and effervescent sparkling wines, our diverse and quality selection ensures there's something for any palate and occasion.  

At Wine Rack, we're passionate about providing you with affordable, quality wines that elevate every sip and every bite. You can browse our curated selection in-store at one of our over 160 locations across Ontario. If you need a recommendation, our team of local wine experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Prefer shopping online? Enjoy an easy-to-find online experience with Same-Day Delivery* available.  

With Wine Rack, finding your favourite bottles has never been easier. Plus, select stores are open late and even on long weekends, so you can count on us for your last-minute wine needs. And if you're looking to save money, Wine Rack has monthly deals!  

Whether you're hosting a backyard get-together or simply treating yourself, these frozen chocolate watermelon desserts paired with wine are a delicious combination. So this summer, chill out, savour the flavours, and enjoy the perfect dessert experience. Cheers to a sweet and cool summer!

*Same-Day Delivery is available on certain online orders in select cities in Ontario through our delivery partners. Minimum order value must be $35 CAD. The Same-Day Delivery fee starts at $6.95 CAD.