Eighteen The Cross - Bespoke Order
A local restaurant was hosting a wine tasting event with 70 guests. They contacted us and asked us to create a chocolate to go with one of their red wines that has a strong flavour and tannins. Our first thought was to keep it simple with a fresh ganache 70% Dark Belgian Chocolate Truffle coated in a fine Dark cocoa powder for an added bitterness. We dropped samples down to the staff to try before confirming the order. They were over the moon with the flavour and pairing. Overall the wine tasting event was a huge success and they’ve booked us in for their next event!
Pairing chocolate truffles with aged wine can be a delightful experience, as the richness and complexity of the wine can complement the flavours and textures of the truffles. Here are some chocolate truffle types and wine suggestions for pairing with aged wines:
1. Dark Chocolate Truffles:
Wine Pairing: Dark chocolate truffles, with their deep and bittersweet cocoa flavors, pair beautifully with aged red wines. Consider a mature Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, or a vintage Port wine. The tannins and fruitiness in these red wines harmonize with the richness of dark chocolate.
2. Milk Chocolate Truffles:
Wine Pairing: Milk chocolate truffles, known for their creamy and sweet characteristics, complement aged tawny Port wines or Madeira. These fortified wines offer a balanced sweetness that enhances the sweetness of the milk chocolate.
3. White Chocolate Truffles:
Wine Pairing: White chocolate truffles, with their buttery and vanilla notes, pair wonderfully with aged sweet white wines. Consider a well-aged Sauternes, Ice Wine, or a late-harvest Riesling. The sweetness in these wines complements the creamy sweetness of white chocolate.
4. Hazelnut Truffles:
Wine Pairing: Hazelnut truffles, with their nutty and slightly sweet flavors, are an excellent match for aged Tawny Port wines or Amontillado Sherry. The nuttiness in the wine complements the hazelnut richness of the truffles.
5. Fruit-Filled Truffles:
Wine Pairing: Chocolate truffles with fruit fillings, such as raspberry, cherry, or orange, pair nicely with aged red wines that have a fruity component. Consider a mature Merlot or a Zinfandel. The fruit notes in the wine complement the fruity fillings in the truffles.
6. Caramel-Filled Truffles:
Wine Pairing: Caramel-filled chocolate truffles, with their sweet and buttery caramel centers, are a perfect match for aged Tawny Port wines or Armagnac. The caramel and toffee notes in the wine complement the caramel in the truffles.
When pairing chocolate truffles with aged wine, it's essential to consider the balance of sweetness, richness, and flavor intensity between the truffles and the wine. The goal is to create a harmonious combination that enhances the overall tasting experience. Personal preferences also play a role in the pairing, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect match for your palate. Enjoy the delightful union of aged wine and chocolate truffles as a special indulgence.