Epicure
Special chocolates to be paired
with wines
confectionary business. She knew
her business was on the right track
when she began selling to upscale
hotels, who placed the chocolates
on pillows at night.
with high quality chocolate and
marzipan imported from Europe.
organic blackberry jam covered
in dark chocolate.
On this clear night in this intimate
room near the belfry, Isabella and
her husband, wine sommelier Jayson
Knack, welcomed enthusiastic guests
to take a place at the tall tables set
for each guest.
Isabella was determined to continue
the time honored techniques passed
on from generations, and uses no
mass producing machinery in her
shop. She insists on the finest
ingredients for her sweet treats,
Knowing we may need some caffeine
for the road home, a mocha truffle
made with espresso ganache and
dipped in Swiss milk chocolate was
paired with a Malbec.
Isabella instructed us to take a bite
of the chocolate first, then a sip of
the matched wine. Jayson explained
the key to wine and chocolate
tasting is that chocolate is not
sweeter than the wine. Also, acidity
in chocolate has to be balanced
with grapes ripened on the vine.
The first edible delight was heart
shaped and filled with rosewater
caramel, which paired nicely with
an Italian sparkling red wine.
Spicy passion fruit, infused with
togarashi spice from Japan, was
the next confection, and a dry
Sauvignon Blanc enhanced floral
notes of the candy.
Variety of chocolates in
iPad like box
The third wine, a California Petit
Syrah, balanced the flavors of an
61
This tasting brought a new
appreciation to swirling the glass
of wine, smelling its bouquet and
snapping the piece of chocolate.
Isabella ended our adventurous
evening by saying chocolates are
as desirable as jewelry.
Champagne, craft beers and artisan
cheeses are other tasting events
in this shop, with sensual aromas
wafting in the air. If attending
a tasting is not convenient, joining
the chocolate club to receive
seasonal assortments of decadent
chocolates throughout the year
will thrill the palate.
www.Dallmannconfections.com
789 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, Ca 92101
619.238.0045v