Rubis Chocolate Wine Liqueur 15% 50cl

Additional information

Bottle sizes	50cl
Origin	England
Vintage	NV

Description

Rubis Chocolate Wine Liqueur is a fortified, chocolate-flavoured, red wine liqueur!

How is Rubis Chocolate Liqueur Made?

It is made by flavouring fortified Tempranillo wine with chocolate essence. The red wine base is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes sourced from the wine-growing region of La Mancha in central Spain. The wine is made in the usual way: grapes are harvested, pressed and fermented and then the wine is “fortified” with a neutral alcohol spirit (a basic grape brandy).

This addition of alcohol stops fermentation whilst there is still a high sugar content, leaving a natural sweetness in the wine – this is the method used to make all the great fortified wines such as Port, Madeira, Marsala and Sherry (although they differ with more unusual ageing processes). The fortified red wine is finally blended with chocolate essences and the producers of Rubis seem to have got the recipe just right!

Who makes Rubis Chocolate Wine Liqueur?

Rubis is produced by Jayish (London) Ltd, a 4th generation family-run business. They are based just outside of London and have been trading for over 50 years in the import and export of alcoholic beverages. As well as Rubis they also produce Rubis Chocolate Stout, V Gallery Vodka range and Pink Lady pear cider.

Rubis Chocolate Wine Liqueur is normally served on its own as a digestive or liqueur, most usually as an after-dinner drink or as a dessert wine. It can be served at room temperature or over ice. It can also be used in cocktails.

Tasting Notes

The label pretty much sums it up – Chocolate Velvet Ruby!

Rubis Chocolate Wine has a good clear, ruby red colour much like a ruby Port. The nose is a combination of red fruit notes, particularly red cherries, orange / citrus and, of course, lots of warming chocolate aromas. The palate is quite complex and has more red fruit and rich, dark, chocolate flavours with is a touch of spice at the back of the palate. The texture is similar to a Port wine, it is not at all gloopy or viscous, and has a sweet, velvety finish. It is a warming 15% ABV, so not too alcoholic. All in all, an unusual drink, but a good balance of wine and chocolate, neither really dominates the other.

Serve With

Rubis Chocolate Wine Liqueur is a good partner for chocolates (experiment with milk or dark chocolates) and any chocolate-based desserts, puddings or cakes. it is also superb poured over ice cream for a super-charged chocolate and red fruit kick. It can also be used as a cooking ingredient and could be substituted for Port or Sherry in recipes – I can imagine it in a chocolate trifle of some sort.

Unlike Port though, I can’t quite imagine it would work with cheeses. Braver souls might like to experiment with spicy game dishes, venison, casseroles or even a chili.

It can also be used in cocktails. Try Rubis in a Chocolate Manhattan with some Bourbon or Rye, some sweet vermouth and cherry bitters. Or try a good glug of Rubis in hot chocolate or coffee. Anyway you want it really!