A Journey of Flavors: Marsatta Chocolate Meets Giessinger Winery

Hello, fellow flavor explorers!

Chef Jeffray here, and I'm thrilled to share with you an extraordinary collaboration that has set my culinary heart on fire. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Winemaker Edouard Giessinger at his renowned Giessinger Winery in Thousand Oaks, California. What can I say about Edouard? The man is a mad genius of winemaking, a virtuoso whose innovative approach blends the best of new world creativity with a profound respect for old world flavors.

As I walked through their R&D center in Thousand Oaks, tasting Edouard’s latest experiments, I was struck by the remarkable balance and complexity of his wines. Each sip brought a revelation of flavors, but it was his dessert wine, "Forgiveness," a luscious blend of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, that truly captivated me. With its vibrant peach aromas greeting the nose and enveloping the palate, "Forgiveness" is a wine that commands attention and, indeed, deep appreciation. It's a wine that's best served chilled, perfect for savoring the nuanced dance of sweetness and acidity that Edouard so masterfully orchestrates.

Inspired by this visit and Edouard's creative spirit, I knew we had to honor this wine with something equally exceptional. Thus, the idea for a special chocolate bonbon was born. At Marsatta Chocolate, we pride ourselves on transcending ordinary flavors, and with "Forgiveness," we found our muse. The challenge was not just to make a chocolate but to create a confection that truly embodies the essence of this exquisite wine.

Crafting the "Forgiveness" Wine-Infused Chocolate Bonbon was a journey in itself. The goal was to encapsulate the soul of the wine within the chocolate. To do this, we infused the rich, dark chocolate with "Forgiveness," allowing the bonbon to inherit the wine's full-bodied peach notes and subtle hints of Zinfandel's spicy character. Each bite of the bonbon is a reflection of the wine’s essence, with the chocolate’s slight bitterness enhancing the sweet, fruity flavors of the wine, creating a symphony of taste that lingers delightfully on the palate.

This bonbon is more than just a treat; it's a culinary experience that transcends typical flavor profiles. It celebrates the innovation of a new world while honoring the tradition of the old—a true testament to the artistry of both chocolate making and winemaking.

If you're a lover of fine wines and artisanal chocolate, I invite you to indulge in this limited-edition creation. It's a testament to what can be achieved when two craftsmen at the top of their respective fields come together, united by a shared passion for excellence and innovation in flavor. Enjoy the journey of taste, and here's to many more such collaborations that challenge our palates and inspire our souls! 

Learn more about the bonbon here. 

Until next time, keep savoring the good things in life.

—Chef Jeffray

PS Stop by our Experience Centre to try a FREE sample of this masterpiece!