Our beautiful chocolates were paired with some handsome wines
to create a mouth-watering gourmet experience that can only come with such
glorious pairings. Peter Nelson of Monopole Wine had expertly hand-picked from
his incredible collection some high-end wines from around the world - a
playful, Italian dry Lambrusco and Valpolicella Ripasso; Santa Barbara Pinot
Noir & Sonoma Valley Cabernet; Grenache from France’s Rhone Valley;
Kroatian Crljenak (Zinfandel); Hungarian Royal Tokaji and two types of vintage
ports. While our guests sat patiently with a plate of assorted chocolates and
truffles in front of them secretly drooling, Master Sommelier Peter delivered
an educational presentation about wine characteristics and we gave a comprehensive introduction to chocolate from its origins and growth to processing
and chocolate making.
Our choice of flavors for the evening included solid dark chocolates in raspberry, black tea blend and pink peppercorn flavors, truffles infused with lavender, rose, pomegranate and Grand Marnier liqueur and dry figs & apricots dipped in dark chocolate. We had an enthusiastic group of food savvy people with refined palates who tried the suggested pairings as well as offered their own suggestions while scrupulously recording their observations on a wine pairing chart provided, some of the participants doing it with such precision that we regret not having asked for copies. Of course there cannot be a shortage of laughter when there are wines and chocolates involved, especially quite a few bottles. Calories? Who’s counting, although collectively we consumed a few pounds of chocolate that evening. We appreciate the wonderful comments some guests left on our Facebook Page.
