Wine Brownies: A Bar Z Twist on a Classic Dessert

Chocolate and red wine are a natural pairing, so it only made sense to bring the two together in one dessert. These red wine brownies are rich, fudgy, and deepened by a bold pour of Bar Z red, with just enough fruit-forward flavor to make the chocolate stand out even more. It's an easy way to bring a taste of the vineyard to your dessert table.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup Bar Z Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Melt the butter and chocolate together until smooth, using a double boiler or short bursts in the microwave.

3. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then add the eggs, vanilla, and wine. The batter may look slightly loose at this stage, which is expected.

4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy rather than cakey.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Why We Chose Bar Z Wine for This Recipe

A recipe like this depends on the wine you use just as much as the chocolate. Our Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon both bring the depth and bold fruit character this recipe calls for, reducing down into the batter to add richness without overpowering the chocolate. It's a good example of how a Texas High Plains red can bring something to the table beyond the glass.

Wine and chocolate have a long history of pairing well together, and baking with wine is simply another way to bring that combination into your kitchen. If you have a bottle of Bar Z red already open, this is a fitting way to use what's left before it goes to waste.

Looking for the right bottle to bake with? Stop by our tasting room in Canyon, Texas, just outside Amarillo, or shop our current release online.