Valrhona 2002 Chuao French Chocolate Bar
We had heard amazing things about this bar, and after tasting, we know why. We know of only three ways to eat chocolate from the legendary Chuao region of northern central coast of Venezuela, near Lake Maracaibo: The Bonnat Chuao single origin dark chocolate bar, the Amedei Chuao single origin dark chocolate bar, and Valhrona's. We bought the bar knowing the "best before" date of 2003 had long since passed in the hopes of bringing in something really special. We weren't disappointed! Perfect mirror to the surface of the bar, not the slightest hint of bloom or age. Crisp snap, and then the aromas come out! Caramels, spices, a miraculous hint of banana, and a long, long complex finish. In terms of vintage, this knocks the socks off Valhrona's 2001 Chuao, so there is no excuse for not trying it again!
Valhrona's comments: "In Venezuela deep inside a magic valley where you access only by sea, the people of Chuao grow an outstanding and rare cocoa which we use in making this chocolate. 1 Franc will be refunded to the Chuao people for every bar sold."
About Valrhona:
Since the creation of the company in 1922, VALRHONA has spent many years seeking out, identifying and selecting the best cacao trees all over the world.
VALRHONA has built up a valuable heritage by developing partnerships with planters and certain producer countries. At VALRHONA, we have long been convinced that developing taste and aroma of a Grand Chocolat is not merely related to the cocoa content or to the origin of the beans, but it is also intimately linked to quality and assembly of batches of cocoa beans, as well as to the production process. VALRHONA, as a precursor, was initially criticized but now has been recognized and even copied; this position has given VALRHONA its world-wide reputation.
About Amedei:
Amedei strives to bring forth the beautiful poetry and artistry that only the world's rarest and finest chocolates can achieve. Amedei is the synthesis of the best soil, cocoa genetics and raw materials; an exclusive craft-based production process, and the passion and creativity of true lovers of chocolate.
