Sensory Analyst and Certified Chocolate Taster focusing on terroir and flavor mapping. A former sommelier, she applies wine tasting methodology to the world of fine cacao, specializing in single-origin profiles.
Elena Rossi is a distinguished Sensory Analyst who transitioned from the world of fine wine to fine chocolate, bringing with her a rigorous methodology for flavor identification. Certified by international chocolate tasting institutes, she consults for brands to develop their flavor profiles and trains judging panels for awards. Elena specializes in the "flavor journey," teaching enthusiasts how to detect the nuances of terroir—from the fruitiness of a Madagascan bean to the earthiness of a Ghanian pod—through retronasal olfaction. Her writing focuses on the art of tasting, the vocabulary of sensory analysis, and sophisticated pairings with wines, spirits, and coffees. She helps readers move beyond "sweet" to appreciate the complex symphony of notes like tannins, florals, and acidity.