There's nothing like receiving a surprise box of chocolates. Even better when that box of chocolates is from
Vosges and much, much better when that box of chocolates comes with a bottle of red wine. I'm traditionally a chocolate and Port girl but this combo works equally well, especially since it is a match made in flavor-pairing heaven. The set includes a bottle of 2003 Alexis Estate Red which is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with a bit of Syrah. The Vosges chocolates are made to match the wine, the creamy ganache is blended with the Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon and then draped in dark chocolate and kissed with a dusting of curry powder. On the tongue, the dark chocolate and Cabernet Sauvigon form their usual happy marriage of strong flavors but the whisper of curry picks ups the spicier nuances of the Syrah.
How did such a delicious pairing come to be? Alexis Swanson the lovely namesake of the Alexis wine met the equally ravishing Katrina Markoff, who would go on to create Vosges, in Paris years ago. A friendship of palates developed over time and eventually the two decided to collaborate. It took nine months of testing to create the perfect truffle to match with the Alexis Estate Red.
The gift set sells for $110 and comes in a well-protected rosy pink box making it an unabashedly romantic gift for sharing . Those who want the complete Swanson experience can visit the Swanson Salon in Rutherford, California where intimate tastings are done by appointment in a charmingly elegant setting.
Instead of providing your beloved with a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day you can provide them with a whole taste experience and an education in understanding chocolate. The Sensory Collection includes 28 dark, 6 milk and 6 white single origin chocolate bars from Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, Java, Ghana, Madagascar, Venezuela, Grenada, Bolivia, Tanzania, Peru, Costa Rica & Santo Domingo, 42 aroma essences including tobacco, charcoal and asparagus, a chocolate guide book, a flavor wheel, a notebook and a blindfold to help you concentrate on the flavors. It sells for $375.
