Chocolates for your wine…

Every Year for Valentine’s Day we offer a program centered around the concept of Wine &

77% Cocoa

Chocolate. Last year we did a cooking demo utilizing chocolate and cocoa as a spice rather than a dessert, and we’ve had  chocolate “experts” come and present the process and thoughts behind their creations. However, we carry this wonderful chocolate in the shop from Chocolove in a vast assortment and decided this year we would focus on this small production company and theiur dark chocolates.

Now, I have to confess chocolate and wine pairing is not for the faint of heart around our shop- I take this a very serious business! And being business, I insist on my chocolates working with my wine in pairings and being of substantial quality that my customers will come back for more. The beauty of being a small operation I order just a dozen bars of chocolate from these folks at a time and they send it out fresh to me the day of the order. It’s hard to believe what a difference a couple of months on the shelf makes with chocolate bars!

While these chocolate bars are not as cheap as Hershey’s, they’re far superior in quality proportionally! Here is a partial list of the most popular chocolates from this week’s tasting:

Almonds & Seasalt

 

crystalized ginger

 

orange peel

Chilies and cherries

Kopke Fine Tawny Port-

Kopke Fine Tawny Port

Here in our tiny mountain village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina we’re in the midst of the harsh throws of winter. I awoke this morning to a a new day of winter wonderland where our lovely hills are going to remain covered in a velvet blanket of soft snow as the temperatures remain in the frosty zones that entice one to ski all day, and dine of hearty rich stews and soups in the evening. As I retreat to my chambers this evening, I can think of nothing more warming and fulfilling than a snifter of the best affordable port in the world, Kopke Fine tawny Port.

Kopke Ports are among the best values I’ve ever stumbled across. At 20% Alcohol, they certainly are not for the faint of heart, but for those who have the constitution to give them a whirl, you shall have a reward equaled by few other products at $19.99. As you pour your port, you’ll notice a rich golden-bronze color ablaze with aromas of nuttiness and caramel. Swirling the Fine Tawny Port, the aromas will enhance and intensify bringing your salivary glands to full attention as they swell and make your mouth water with anticipation of that first kiss with your tongue. As your glass caresses your lips a supple tenderness shall cross into the palate of your taste buds exploding with an intensity of 13 sticks of dynamite exploding with lushness of nutty caramel and spices of coriander, cayenne, and rich warmness becomes a flavor.

Taken with a small piece of  Chocolove’s Dark Chocolate with Orange Zest, the Fine Tawny steps back up and pulls of the tango on your tongue. The blending of the high alcohol, the oxidized sugars, and the cocoa execute pure ecstasy in the mouth. The only caution I have about Fine Tawny Port done this well is be certain both you and the one you love enjoy a glass before bed…

Have fun!