Art de Vivre: Exceptional Christmas delicacies

Chauvet chocolates straight from Ardèche

A committed, meticulous and inventive chocolatier, Pierre Chauvet has chosen to embark on creating 100% artisanal and natural confectionery. For a quarter of a century now, he has been opting for the finest cocoas, full-bodied, fruity and light, creating some unique blends without a trace of palm oil.

His workshop in Ucel, a small Ardèche village, is experimenting with flavours and texture blends, creating truly surprising confections, a signature mille-feuille among them. Its layers that we bite in with delight bring out incredible aesthetics and flavour.

Playing with different materials and cocoa types, Pierre Chauvet is designing geometric and abstract patterns to make his chocolates even more beautiful. Pralines, ganaches or mille-feuilles… His boxes are a feast to the eye and palate alike. His secret? Exceptional ingredients, perfect mastery of multiple flavour combinations and a remarkable sense of innovation.

The “Arthur’s Delight” is yet another one of this chocolatier’s signature products. Created by Françoise and Pierre Chauvet, named after the chocolatier’s son, it is based on hazelnuts, sugar, milk, coconut and… that’s it.

Available with the classic, very high hazelnut content or an even more generous lactose-free nutty version (up to 60%), its smooth texture is easy to spread even cold. Perfect for breakfast, with pancakes and brioches, or as a finishing touch to your homemade desserts. This specialty embodies the house’s commitment to wholesome and unadulterated gourmandise with as little sugar and as much flavour as is only possible.

Magasin Aubenas
42 Boulevard Gambetta, Aubenas
+33(0)4 75 89 26 71

Magasin Valence
3 Place des Clercs, Valence
+33(0)4 75 55 47 78

Retrait Atelier d’Ucel
ZA Chamboulas, 109 route de Vals, Ucel
+33(0)4 75 37 69 69
www.pierrechauvet.com

The Prestigious Wines of Alsace from the Sainte-Joie estate

For true connoisseurs, we have unearthed some complex wines perfectly gracing a festive table. Crafting them in Alsace, a passionate couple have inherited and perfected a family expertise. The Meyers are inspired by Salvador Dalí who famously said: “Those who know wine-tasting, no longer drink, but savour its secrets.” These winemakers grasp these secrets observing nature day after day and cultivating healthy, “living” grapes. Lovingly tending to their 30-hectares at the foot of Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, they produce some exceptional wines for joy and sharing. This committed, certified organic viticulture blends tradition and modernity.

Thirty-year-old vines are cultivated pesticide-free, with Maison Meyer offering a great selection of red and white Alsatian wines. Their dry Pinot Noir surprises and delights with its expressive notes. Designed for aging, this wine pairs harmoniously with grilled or smoked meats, roasts or spicy dishes. The collection naturally features Riesling, Gewurztraminer and the sparkling Crémant d’Alsace.

Listed in the Gault & Millau guide, their Champagne Chardonnay/Pinot Noir will delight even the most discerning wine lovers.

Sainte Joie
21 Route de Sélestat, Bergheim
+33 07 50 10 77 91
www.saintejoie.com

Truffles in all their forms at Maison Plantin

Nestled in the Vaucluse region at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Plantin estate has lovingly cultivated the art of truffles since 1930. Thanks to its meticulous expertise and close relationships with truffle growers in southeastern France, it has thus built a solid reputation among enthusiasts and Michelin-starred chefs alike.

Closely following the seasons, Plantin is preserving all the delicate “black diamond” aromas, elevating it to still new heights. Gracing festive tables, this luxury product has long become a Christmas essential. Offering a wide range of premium products — oils, creams, sauces, spreads, condiments, dried mushrooms and more — Maison Plantin is working with all types of truffles (black Périgord, white Alba, both summer and autumn species). Renowned for its impeccable quality and commitment to traceability, Maison Plantin is thus supplying the finest restaurants and gourmet shops worldwide, as well as individual customers through both its brick-and-mortar and online stores. A truffle for every use, every season, every palate, that’s the team’s credo. Every order is also supplied with a user guide and delicious recipes (porcini mushroom soup, winter truffle cream tartiflette, truffle butter etc.).

This year, Plantin is innovating with its first-ever “full truffle” Advent calendar, a unique and exclusive creation transforming Christmas preparations into a true gourmet journey. Revealing a brand-new mini-format every day, each of its little boxes is inviting you to explore different truffle techniques and pairings. A gift that will certainly delight any truffle lover.