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Directly from the Purdy’s and Mission Hill Press Release:
A SWEETHEART OF A MATCH: PURDY’S TRUFFLES AND MISSION HILL ICEWINE
British Columbia’s premier winery and chocolatier collaborate to craft the quintessential Canadiana treat.

OKANAGAN VALLEY, BC (January 27, 2010): Mission Hill Family Estate and Purdy’s Chocolates are pleased to announce the co-creation of Purdy’s Icewine Truffle.

Each exquisitely handcrafted Purdy’s truffle is infused with luscious Mission Hill Vidal Icewine. A delectable dessert for the sensory adventuresome and an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day romantics, the Icewine Truffles are sold individually or with assorted Purdy’s Truffles in an elegant gold box, which are available at Purdy’s retail stores in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario as well as on purdys.com for $12.95 for 130g.

“Cultivated on our Naramata Ranch vineyards, the Vidal Icewine grapes burst with honey aromas and tropical notes on the palate, creating an ideal pairing with Purdy’s rich, artisanal chocolates,” says Mission Hill Family Estate Chief Winemaker John Simes.

“Purdy’s chocolate combined with Mission Hill’s Vidal Icewine make an extraordinary combination,” says Purdy’s Chocolates Head Chocolatier Gary Mitchell. “The numerous flavour notes complement each other so well that the Purdy’s Icewine Truffle delights the taste buds and satisfies the senses.”

Both Purdy’s Chocolates and Mission Hill Family Estate are iconic Canadian brands that stand for quality and authentic, luxurious indulgences. Created in this spirit, Purdy’s Icewine Truffles are a distinct treat for fine wine and chocolate lovers. Complimentary samples of the Icewine and Icewine truffles will be available for tasting Valentine’s weekend on February 12-13 at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch Ambleside and North Vancouver Westview stores.

Directly from the Molson Rickard’s Press Release:

Don’t be selfish this Valentine’s Day. It can’t be about you all the time. What about planning something special for your man?  Most men feel the pressure to do something unexpected for their partners on Valentine’s Day so why not turn things on their head and do something special for them?

Everyone knows that the key to a man’s heart really is his stomach…you can’t go wrong with giving him something to drink and eat.  Beer and food pairings are a big trend this year so take him through a sensual trio of food pairings that will explore the flavours of beer and texture. He will be very grateful. We promise.

A match made in heaven:  Impress your man by taking a dark beer and pair it with a dark chocolate.  Rickard’s Dark is a flavourful option that combines a smooth Porter taste with a hint of maple syrup.  The robust flavour of the Porter will bring out the rich cocoa flavours in dark chocolate. Select a bar with anywhere from 70 – 90% cocoa content, just keep in mind the higher the content the more bitter the chocolate.  Dark chocolate also contains theobromine which is a mild stimulant, so you can ensure your sweetheart’s senses are awake for the next pairing!

Now for something sweet:  Since you’ve experienced pairing bitter flavours and got a healthy fix of antioxidants from your dark chocolate, now move onto something sweet and sour.  In keeping with the beer theme why not take a wheat beer and pair it with tangy citrus, drizzled with honey.  White beers typically pair very well with citrus, in fact Rickard’s White has a hint of citrus that is excellent with oranges.  Honey is also a known aphrodisiac that provides the body with a natural boost of energy – enough said.

Red is for Valentine’s Day:  End your trio of pairings with something red, but not wine.  Take a red beer, such as Rickard’s Red and pair it with a creamy cheese.  The smooth roasted malt finish pairs well with chevre (goat cheese), mild blue cheese or buttery, earthy flavours like cow’s milk cheeses.  Encourage your loved to talk about the textures and buttery flavours, who know where the conversation will lead.