A Symphony in Cacao: Our Chocolate Masterclass Journey with Venchi

On a sunlit Thursday at Capella Singapore, we stepped into what can only be described as a sensorial journey — one that awakened not just our palate, but our body, mind, and soul.

Hosted by Mr. G.B. Mantelli, Venchi’s charismatic Brand Ambassador and Chocolate Master, the exclusive media preview was more than a tasting. It was an education, a celebration, and for us — a revelation.

As a global chef and lifestyle writer, it was truly a privilege to meet Mr. Mantelli in person. What he prepared and presented to us was more than just a showcase of chocolate — it was magic. Emotional, immersive, and deeply sincere. The way he described cacao and its journey — from bean to bar, from soil to soul — carried a weight of passion that few can articulate. It was moving. It was a blessing. It was a gift.

Mr. Mantelli isn’t just a storyteller; he is the guru — the magician behind the scenes who unlocks the universe inside a square of chocolate. With passion pouring from every word, he took us on a journey behind the elegant gold-stamped wrappers of Venchi. Beyond packaging, beyond branding, lies something powerful: a philosophy rooted in terroir, tradition, and taste.

We discovered that chocolate — true chocolate — is a mirror of the land it comes from. Like wine or olive oil, it reflects its origin: the altitude of Ecuador, the volcanic soil of Madagascar, the floral notes of Venezuela. And through Mr. Mantelli’s narrative, we felt as if we had traveled the globe through every bite.

What elevated this experience was the art of pairing. Think of each pairing as a musical note — some smooth, some unexpected — but together, a symphony. The standout? A sublime duet of Raspberry Nibs with Aceto Balsamico — a vibrant dance of fruity tartness, rich cocoa, and velvety balsamic depth. One bite was enough to pull our heartstrings and lift us to a sweet high.

We learned how to truly taste chocolate. Slowly. Mindfully. Letting it melt. Letting it sing.

The masterclass also dove deep into Venchi’s roots — their Piedmont heritage, their artisanal gelato, and their unwavering commitment to sustainability, especially with Piedmont hazelnuts and premium cocoa sourcing. Every bar on display told a story — 100%, 90%, 80% cacao… no sugar added, but all soul.

And on a more personal note — I believe that chocolate has enough vitamins and antioxidants to support my skin health. It keeps me feeling radiant, healthy, and dewy — from the inside out.

It’s clear now: chocolate isn’t just a treat. It’s a divine intervention — food for the gods, shaped by soil, water, and climate, and elevated by the imagination of artisans.

This was more than a chocolate tasting. It was a cultural immersion — and we left with wide eyes, full hearts, and a little chocolate buzz that hasn’t quite worn off.

Thank you, Venchi, and thank you, Mr. Mantelli, for showing us what chocolate can truly be.