Pairing great wines with fine chocolate desserts? According to M.J. Essenmacher of Tucson Creative Catering, “They say it can never be done.”

But she set out to prove them wrong, combining her efforts with Slow Foods Tucson and Yvonne K Foucher, owner of CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, to pair wines and sweet treats as a prelude to Valentine’s Day. Nearly 20 curious guests enjoyed the delicacies, served on the patio at CataVinos last Sunday, February 13.

Essenmacher and Foucher explained that there are two manners of proper pairing. The first is to combine similar tastes in food with similar characteristics of the wine. An example of this was pairing Cara Mia Pinot Noir 2009, an elegant wine with strawberry, raspberry, and peppery spice flavors and a lush texture, with Creative Catering’s melt-in-your mouth dark chocolate raspberry truffle. To die for!

The other pairing option is to match directly opposite characteristics of the wine with the food. Essenmacher chose her delectable mini chocolate chili cupcake topped with a chocolate chili ganache with Foucher’s choice of Santa Digna Torres Vina Esmeralda 2009. This off-dry wine has a strong floral aroma with delicate flavors of white peaches, melon, apricots and ginger spice. The combination with the chili kick of the cupcake caused explosions of joy in my mouth.

Other pairings included the Gruet Sparkling Brut-Rosé with a chocolate covered strawberry; Darby & Joan Cabernet 2008 with chocolate-covered espresso bean hearts; McManis Zinfandel 2008 with a chocolate mousse shot;  and Viho Madeira with a chocolate hazelnut torte square.

I’d say that Essenmacher has proven whoever ‘they’ are wrong. I think back to the afternoon and it brings a sweet smile to my face. Well done, Slow Foods, on yet another fantastic event showcasing what Tucson’s finest have to offer.

Wine-pairing events to celebrate Valentine’s Day are everywhere this week, so there’s no excuse for not planning ahead.

Ritz-Carlton winemaker dinner

Winemaker Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, producers of exceptional Pinot Noir and Syrah wines from Sonoma County, will interact with guests at an evening reception and a specially prepared meal with wine pairings at the Ritz-Carlton CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar at Dove Mountain, Marana, on Thursday, February 10 from 6:00pm -10pm.  The remarkable menu includes shaved duck prosciutto, pan-seared bronzini, buffalo short ribs, and more delightful dishes. Call for reservations, 520-572-3000.

Pink & pig at Canela Bistro

Canela Bistro, Sonoita, AZ

Dos Cabezas Wineworks and Canela Bistro, located on Highway 82 in Sonoita, have teamed up for several events featuring new wines all Valentine weekend. On Friday, February 11, Canela Bistro will create some tasty piggy treats to accompany Dos Cabezas latest release, the 2009 “Pink!” Choose from a 3-course menu or wine pairings. On Saturday, February 12, a serious sit-down to celebrate love with Canela Bistro chef/owners John Hall and Joy Vargo, will feature Dos Cabezas wines. Contact Canela Bistro, 520-455-5873 for more information and to make your reservations today.

Sunglow Guest Ranch Resort wine dinner

Keeling Schaeffer Vineyards and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards have teamed up with Sunglow Guest Ranch in the Chiricahua Mountains for this event of great food and Arizona wines on Saturday February 12, beginning at 6:00pm. Chef Colleen will present a four-course dinner featuring pork tenderloin, paired with Keeling Schaefer wines poured by winemakers Rod Keeling and Jan Schaeffer. The Arizona Stronghold wines of winemakers Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan will be paired with the salad and soup course. Space is limited, reservations required, call Beth at 520-824-3334. Rooms are still available for overnight guests.

Valentine wines & chocolate tasting

Slow Food Tucson is hosting a very special Valentine Tasting of Wine & Chocolate, featuring CataVinos Wine Shoppe wines paired with chocolate tastes from Tucson Creative Catering on Sunday, February 13, 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The mouth-watering menu will include such pairings as Gruet Sparkling Rosé with chocolate-covered strawberries, Torres Vina Esmeralde with mini-chocolate chili cupcakes with chocolate chilli ganache, and Vinho Madeira with chocolate hazelnut torte squares.  And there is more; check the Tucson Creative Catering website for the full fare.

The event will take place at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room, 3063 N. Alvernon Way. Please make reservations by February 10; you can make them online at the Slow Food Tucson website.  

Wine and pairings all weekend long

Charron Vineyards has updated its Valentine’s weekend plans by extending the wine and chocolate pairings Friday through Monday this coming weekend. Best known for its White Merlot, Charron now offers a 2010 Dry White Merlot that is fantastic paired with grilled salmon, and most importantly, goes well with dark chocolate.  A win-win situation.

For other Valentine options at Canelo Hills Vineyards, elle Wine Bistro, Kokopelli Winery, and Pastiche Modern Eatery, please check my POUR ME SOME GRAPES February 1, 2011 blog; and for the perfect wine to present your Valentine, consider the choices in my POUR ME SOME GRAPES  February 5, 2011 blog.

Valentine’s Wine Meet-up

Don’t have a specific Valentine yet? No problem! The Old Pueblo Wine Club welcomes you to its Saturday, February 12 meet-up. This month they will be celebrating the holiday of love by tasting wines from South America. Bread, crackers, fruit provided. Attendees are asked to bring a favorite cheese, fruit, or olives to share. For location and more information, you must be a member; membership in the group is free (sign up online). The event, hosted by Keith Figgins, is $15/person.

Cheers to your very special wine-fulfilled Valentine’s Day!