It was off to Finale last week for another adventure in wine and dessert. This week: Valrhona Chocolate and Port Wines. Valrhona is considered one of the foremost chocolate makers in the world, founded by French pastry chef Albéric Guironnet in 1922.
Five port wines are paired with desserts. It's a great way to learn about wine and wine pairings. I really did not know all that much about port wines and these were really interesting choices.
Each port wine is carefully matched with a small bite of a dessert pastry and a handy place mat explains exactly what you are tasting and sipping.
Most of the evening is really about chocolate education. Each guest is provided with a plate of chocolates that you begin each dessert pairing with. A piece of Valrhona chocolate is matched with a more commercial brand so one can really experience the vast difference on the palate. So, if you only do Hershey's you are in for a really enlightening tasting. I won't be a spoiler for those who want to attend but tasting more commercial chocolate aside a finer confection is like night and day. It was fun trying to guess the commercial brands.
The White Chocolate Mousse Cup made with Valrhona Ivoire was paired with a Croft Pink. The Milk Chocolate version, made with Valrhona Jivara, was paired with 20 Year-Old Tawny.
The Praline Feuilletine made with Valrhona Noisette Noir was paired with a 30 Year-Old Tawny. This was my favorite pastry and pairing. Amazing.
This Manjair Mini Pastry made with Valrhona Manjari was paired with Warre's 1999 LBV.
The Mini Whoopie Pie, made with Valhrona Guanaja was paired with Graham's "Six Grapes"Reserve Porto.
My stunning table mates and Chef, as usual the table that was laughing the most! Left to right, Samantha Denette of Sincerely Samantha, Executive Chef at Finale Nicole Coady, Chelsea Dugan of Chelsea Dugan and The Boston Ballet's own Rachel Cossar of Foodista On Pointe.
Our next tasting in this dessert and wine series will feature ice wines paired with pastry.
Finale Desserts
One Columbus Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: 617.423.3184
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