Peel pears up to the stem and core from the bottom.
Bring water, wine, and sugar to a boil in a large dutch oven or saucepan.
Add pears and reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until pears are tender, but not too soft. Let sit in the poaching liquid until cool, about 30 minutes.
Remove pears and refrigerate until ready to use.
Meanwhile, combine the chocolate, butter, sugar, cream, and hot water in the top of a double boiler.
Simmer on a medium low heat and stir until chocolate is smooth, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
Put a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and one poached pear in a dish. Drizzle liberally with chocolate sauce and serve immediately.