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Chocolate and Grana Padano

Cacao

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Which chocolate should Grana Padano PDO be paired with?

… it may seem like a random match, yet the end result is unique and unexpected…
Described as the ‘food of the gods’, cocoa was considered ‘magical’ by the Maya people.
Today, chocolate in all its variations can prove the perfect ally to accompany Grana Padano PDO for an alternative aperitif or to end a meal in ‘harmony’.
Grana Padano PDO and chocolate come from two different worlds, distant in time and space, but they share the same ability to engage the senses in a whirlwind of emotions, between contrasting perceptions and harmonious scents.
To make the most of this combination, it is best to respect the characteristics of Grana Padano PDO dictated by the ageing process and select the type of chocolate according to the percentage of cocoa it contains and the aromatic ingredient (if present), to create a perfect balance of flavours and sensations in the mouth. In order to achieve this pleasing result, we recommend that you first melt the chocolate in your mouth and then taste the Grana Padano PDO shaving; when tasting, we also suggest varying the proportions of chocolate and Grana Padano PDO so that everyone, according to their personal taste, finds the right balance between the two products.

Discover Cocoa

Grana Padano PDO 9 – 16 months

Suggested pairings:

  • White chocolate with liquorice crystals (and micro salt crystals)
  • Dark chocolate 51% cocoa
  • PGI Piedmontese hazelnut cream with extra virgin olive oil
  • Dark chocolate 50% cocoa with mint filling

In particular, we recommend pairing Grana Padano PDO cheeses aged 9 to 16 months with:

  • White chocolate with liquorice crystals (and micro salt crystals)

  • Dark chocolate with mint cream filling

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Grana Padano PDO 16-20 months

Suggested pairings:

  • Milk chocolate with pistachio filling
  • PGI Modica chocolate (50% cocoa) with orange peel
  • Milk Gianduiotto with Italian hazelnuts
  • Dark chocolate 70% cocoa

In particular, we recommend pairing Grana Padano PDO cheeses aged 16 to 20 months with:

  • PGI Modica chocolate (50%) with orange peel

  • Dark chocolate 70% cocoa

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Grana Padano DOP “Riserva” 20-24 months

Suggested pairings:

  • Dark chocolate 51% cocoa with ginger crystals
  • Dark chocolate 71% cocoa with honey and almond flakes
  • Candied orange peel with dark chocolate coating
  • Candied ginger morsels dusted in cocoa powder
  • Dark chocolate hazelnut spread

In particular, we recommend pairing Grana Padano PDO “Riserva” cheeses aged 20 to 24 months with:

  • Dark chocolate 51% cocoa with ginger crystals

  • Dark chocolate 71% cocoa with honey and almond flakes

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Grana Padano PDO “Riserva” aged over 24 months

Suggested pairings:

  • Chocolate-covered lemon peel
  • Candied ginger morsels dusted in cocoa powder
  • Dark chocolate with 51% cocoa and cocoa bean sprinkle
  • Dark chocolate with 90% cocoa
  • Black cremino (dark chocolate and hazelnuts)
  • Dark chocolate hazelnut spread

In particular, we recommend pairing Grana Padano PDO “Riserva” cheeses aged over 24 months with:

  • Candied ginger morsels dusted in cocoa powder

  • Dark chocolate 90% cocoa

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