Pierre Marcolini’s Christmas Chocolate Collection – Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Colin Hewitt
I’ve been fortunate to have visited Belgium frequently. Besides the wonderful architecture, delicious beer and the traditional Moules Frites, a highlight of any visit is sampling some of the outstanding Belgian chocolates on display.
During my last expedition to Brussels, I even visited a chocolate museum (you might have gathered, I’m quite partial to chocolates). So, when the opportunity to review some wonderful Pierre Marcolini chocolates from their festive range arose, I jumped at the chance.
Pierre Marcolini is a Belgian chocolatier of some renown. He is famous for his attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship and, without doubt, superior flavour and texture.
Every year chocolate connoisseurs eagerly await The Marcolini Christmas collection (especially the Advent Calendar), it always blends his artistry and tradition to create something unique and luxurious.
Take some time looking at their mouth-watering website. There you can see their full range of chocolates and pastries, together with many independent, or corporate gift ideas. They make all of their chocolates, macarons, pastries, and confectionery in-house in Brussels.
The website also has a full list of ingredients, essential if you, or the person you are buying for, have any food intolerances.
Unfortunately, for those of us outside of London, you will need to purchase directly from the website, however postage and packing is free if you spend over £75. For those living or visiting London, these chocolates are available at Harrods, Selfridges, and their own store in Marylebone.
I received the Christmas Cracker, a subtle, and elegantly decorated cardboard sleeve, filled with ten Petits Bonheurs – ten little pleasures comprising three Praline Caramels, three Gianduja Noisettes and four Praline Noisettes. Marcolini chocolatiers carefully selected these chocolates to showcase their skills. Each small chocolate receives an individual wrapping in foil.
All three varieties contain Piedmont hazelnuts. These are a famous, and prized variety of hazelnut which are grown in the Langhe region of Piedmont in Italy.
Let’s consider each of the chocolates on their own (as I’m sure you can understand, this was a highly arduous task, and I hope you appreciate my tireless dedication to the cause).
Praline Noisette – feuillantine and whole Piedmont hazelnuts, and an in-house made praline. This had a gorgeous texture, a slight crunch together with smooth chocolate which just melted in the mouth.
Praline Caramel – this is a traditional salted caramel (an extremely mild salt flavour) with Piedmont hazelnut praline. Again, this had a lovely texture with a small amount of crunch. These were my wife’s favourite – so that’s certainly a gift idea to keep in mind for the future.
Gianduja Noisette – Gianduja is an Italian chocolate confection which is made from a blend of chocolate and at least 30% hazelnuts. Marcolini adds a hint of Maldon Sea Salt, which takes it to another level. This was an unbelievably smooth chocolate, and absolutely delicious – my favourite of the three varieties, and I thought you could taste the salt in these more so than the Praline Caramel.
This gift is quite expensive, costing £18 for 81g, but it has gravitas, and it’s definitely something to savour and appreciate. I like the fact that the wrapping is modest. It does not distract from the quality and taste of the product, which is truly outstanding.
Rating: A luxurious collection and a well deserved 4/5
RRP: £18.00
This product can be purchased here.