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VALRHONA CHOCOLATE
Since 1922 the vocation of Valrhona has been to create exceptional gourmet chocolate, while respecting the artisan's know-how and fine French taste. Dedicated to quality, Valrhona selects and purchases its cocoa beans directly from choice plantations, thus securing an exclusive supply of Grand Crus from South America, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Valrhona was one of the first chocolatiers to describe their chocolate in a similar fashion to wine with the labelling of such creations as grand cru, single origin, single estate and even vintage chocolate. Valrhona is regarded as being amongst the best of the few french chocolate makers today creating their chocolate from bean to bar (cacaofevier). Read more about Valrhona.
Valrhona, Premium Advent Calendar
From Valrhona
A premium advent calendar from the highly respected Valrhona of France, containing a selection of their filled chocolates, Christmas shapes, enrobed nuts, pralines and mini tablets. For those who appreciate the finest quality chocolates.
Valrhona Komuntu, 80% dark chocolate chips 250g
From Valrhona
A higher, 80% cocoa dark chocolate with a strong, bittersweet and woody aroma with underlying notes of roasted cocoa nibs. Created from a blend of cocoas and described by Valrhona as 'the ultimate in responsibly made chocolates'.
Valrhona Jivara Caramelised Pecan 40% Milk Chocolate Bar
From Valrhona
The Valrhona Jivara is created using Nacional cocoa, a Forastero-type cocoa from Ecuador, and is a smooth and mild mannered milk chocolate with added malt. Combined with crunchy caramelised Pecan slivers this delicious bar is hard to put down!
Valrhona Dulcey Roasted Coffee 35% Chocolate Bar
From Valrhona
Not milk, dark or white but 'Blond'. The new Dulcey is a 35% cocoa content chocolate with sweet, biscuit, fudge and malted flavours, unlike any other chocolate. Combined with roasted coffee bean pieces this is like a chocolate cappuccino.
Valrhona Guanaja Cocoa Nibs 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
From Valrhona
Valrhona Guanaja is a powerful flavoured, single origin chocolate with reduced acidic taste. A noticeably lingering chocolate with intensity and depth. Toasted Cocoa nibs are combined and offer a increased cocoa hit with the added crunch.
Valrhona, Les Essentiels, Assorted Chocolate Tasting Squares 160g
From Valrhona
Containing an assortment of superior quality milk and dark chocolate tasting squares from this highly praised French chocolate maker. From 40% milk chocolate to 70% dark. 32 tasting squares of 4 different types.
Valrhona, Les Collectionneurs, Assorted Chocolate Tasting Squares 300g
From Valrhona
Containing an assortment of superior quality milk and dark chocolate tasting squares from this highly praised French chocolate maker. From 39% milk chocolate to 75% dark. Sixty tasting squares of 6 different types.
Valrhona, Les Intenses, Dark Chocolate Tasting Squares 250g
From Valrhona
Containing 50 dark chocolate tasting squares of 5 types. From 60% to 85% cocoa content. Experience the superior quality and varying flavour profiles of Valrhona's dark chocolate Grand Crus in this wonderful tasting box.
Valrhona, Les Collectionneurs, Enrobed nuts and Fruit 450g
From Valrhona
Superior quality roasted Almonds, Hazelnuts, and succulent candied orange, enrobed with Valrhona quality milk, dark and 'Dulcey' chocolate. Packed full of flavour and totally irresistible once opened.
Valrhona, Discovery, Assorted Chocolates Gift Box
From Valrhona
A wide selection of superior quality chocolates in one box from the revered French chocolate maker, Valrhona. An assortment of filled chocolates, tasting squares and enrobed almonds and hazelnuts.
Valrhona, Les Initiés, Enrobed Almond & Hazelnuts 300g
From Valrhona
Superior quality Almonds and Hazelnuts, roasted and enrobed with Valrhona quality milk, dark and 'Dulcey' chocolate. Packed full of flavour and totally irresistible.
Valrhona Grand Crus Dark Chocolate Ganache Gift Box
From Valrhona
Containing 15 chocolates of three types of superior quality, dark chocolate, Grand Cru ganache; Manjari, Macae and Abinao. Crisp shells enrobing an indulgently rich and full flavoured ganache centre.
Valrhona Komuntu, 80% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
A higher cocoa dark chocolate with a strong, bittersweet and woody aroma with underlying notes of roasted cocoa nibs. Created from a blend of cocoas and described by Valrhona as 'the ultimate in responsibly made chocolates'.
Valrhona Bahibe, 46% milk chocolate bar
From Valrhona
Valrhona have created this single origin, high cocoa milk chocolate bar from fine flavour cocoa from the Dominion Republic. A balance between the sweetness of milk and intensity of cocoa with notes of nuts, a little fruity acidity and smooth melt.
Andoa Lait, 39% milk chocolate bar
From Valrhona
This organic and Fairtrade, milk chocolate bar from Valrhona provides an intensely, creamy milk chocolate with caramel and malt notes and typical of Valrhona high quality.
Valrhona Caraibe, 66% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
The Caraibe chocolate is a mellow, mild mannered dark chocolate bar from Valrhona with not too much bitterness and a smooth melt and lingering finish. Incredibly smooth. Made exclusively from the Trinitario bean from the Caribbean islands.
Valrhona Manjari, 64% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
The Valrhona Manjari is a particularly fruity dark chocolate bar from Valrhona with exceptional flavour and very popular. Suited to most tastes due to the lower cocoa content and surprising sweetness for a dark chocolate.
Andoa Noir, 70% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
This organic and Fairtrade, 70% dark chocolate bar from Valrhona provides a powerful chocolate with a lasting flavour and typical of Valrhona high quality. Created from single origin cocoa grown in Peru.
Valrhona Abinao, 85% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
A high cocoa, bitter dark chocolate bar from Valrhona with powerful lingering intensity. The Abinao chocolate bar is created from a blend of Forastero cocoa beans from Africa.
Valrhona Jivara, 40% milk chocolate bar
From Valrhona
The Valrhona Jivara is created using Nacional cocoa, a Forastero-type cocoa from Ecuador, is a smooth and mild mannered milk chocolate with added malt. An easy eating sweet milk chocolate with a creamy texture and light finish.
Valrhona Millot, 74% dark chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Single origin dark chocolate chips/drops created from organic cocoa beans from the Millot plantation in Madagascar. A grand Cru chocolate that is bursting with fruity flavour (plum, mango, citrus) from its special origin.
Valrhona Nyangbo, 68% Drinking Chocolate
From Valrhona
A premium quality, single origin, hot chocolate! Created using single origin cocoa from Ghana. A rounded flavour profile with notes of spice and vanilla. For the perfect hot chocolate, mix 10 teaspoons with 20cl (7oz) of hot milk and add sugar to taste.
Valrhona Dulcey, 35% Blond chocolate bar
From Valrhona
A world first for Valrhona. Valrhona claim to have created a new type of chocolate. Not milk, dark or white but 'Blond'. The new Dulcey bar is a 35% cocoa content chocolate with very sweet, biscuit, fudge and malted flavours, unlike any other chocolate.
Valrhona Oriado, 60% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
A Grand Cru dark chocolate created with a blend of organic cocoa beans from Peru and the Dominican Republic. A particularly sweet dark chocolate with notes of apricot/peach and vanilla with a creamy mouth feel. Low roast, little bitterness.
Valrhona Tulakalum, 75% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
A single origin dark chocolate created using cocoa from Belize. A chocolate offering both deep chocolatey mouth filling notes with both a bitter then tart fruit edge, reminiscent of cherry. A wonderfully wide flavour profile with a lasting finish.
Valrhona Guanaja, 70% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
Valrhona Guanaja is a powerful flavoured, single origin chocolate bar with reduced acidic taste. A noticeably lingering chocolate with intensity and depth. Guanaja chocolate is also available as couverture chips.
Valrhona Araguani, 100% dark chocolate bar
From Valrhona
Pure 100% single origin cocoa from Venezuela with no added sugar. This is a high end bitter dark chocolate for the strict, high cocoa dark chocolate lover. Vanilla and woody notes.
Valrhona Almond & Hazelnut Praline Paste
From Valrhona
Hazelnut & almond praline paste of superior quality for use in chocolaterie and patisserie. Made from richly flavoured Italian hazelnuts and Spanish almonds, no chocolate. Used famously in the classic Paris-Best choux bun.
Valrhona Andoa Lait, 39% milk chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Valrhona superior quality milk chocolate chips. Andoa Lait is an intensely, creamy milk chocolate with caramel and malt notes. For wide use in baking, decoration and all applications of chocolate making.
Valrhona Chocolate Bar Mini Gift Hamper
From Valrhona
A mini chocolate gift hamper containing 6, single origin, Valrhona milk & dark chocolate, 70g bars.
Valrhona Les Intense, dark chocolate enrobed nuts 230g
From Valrhona
A box of high quality Marconas almonds and Italian hazelnuts by Valrhona of France. Covered in extra fine, Grand Cru dark chocolate.
Valrhona Araguani, 72% dark chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Valrhona Araguani dark chocolate couverture chips. Created for wide use from baking to chocolate making and decoration. Wonderfully flavoursome with rich and complex, aromatic, warm notes of dried fruits, chestnuts and hints of liquorice.
Valrhona Bahibe, 46% milk chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Valrhona Bahibe milk chocolate couverture. Created for wide use in baking, moulding and chocolate decoration. Bahibe is a luxury milk chocolate with 46% cocoa content. A smooth milk with intense notes of cocoa, a fruity tanginess and slight bitterness.
Valrhona Manjari Orange 64% Dark Chocolate Bar
From Valrhona
Valrhona have combined their very fruity, Manjari chocolate, created from rare single origin cocoa from Madagascar, with generous juicy candied orange to produce a chocolate bar of outstanding flavour. Bursting with fruit.
Valrhona Dulcey, 35% blond chocolate chips
From Valrhona
The new Valrhona Dulcey chocolate couverture is a 35% cocoa content chocolate with particularly sweet, biscuit, fudge and malted flavours, unlike any other chocolate. Also the oatmeal colour is quite unique. Named as a new 'Blonde' chocolate by Valrhona.
Valrhona Caramelia, 36% milk chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Rich and creamy, Caramelia, milk chocolate couverture chips from Valrhona with a pronounced caramel flavour. For wide use in baking, chocolate decoration and all applications of chocolate making.
Valrhona Caraibe, 66% dark chocolate chips
From Valrhona
These superior quality, Caraibe dark chocolate chips from Valrhona are created from the fine flavour Trinitario cocoa beans from the Caribbean islands. For wide use in baking, decoration and all applications of chocolate making.
Valrhona Cocoa powder bulk
From Valrhona
An economical, 3kg box of high quality cocoa powder from Valrhona containing 3 x 1kg foiled bags for ease of use. Pure, unsweetened 'dutched' cocoa powder created for chocolate making, cakes and desserts.
Gastronomie range cocoa powder
From Valrhona
This high quality cocoa powder by Valrhona is 100% unsweetened, pure and intense. Also 'dutched' this cocoa powder is created for all kinds of chocolate making, cakes and desserts.
Valrhona Ivoire, white chocolate chips
From Valrhona
A superior quality, white chocolate that's not too sweet with delicate flavours of fresh milk and vanilla. These white chocolate couverture chips are created for wide use in baking, decoration and all applications of chocolate making.
Valrhona Jivara, 40% milk chocolate chips
From Valrhona
These superior quality, Jivara milk chocolate chips from Valrhona offer an easy eating milk chocolate with malt & vanilla notes with a creamy texture. For wide use in baking, decoration and all applications of chocolate making.
Valrhona Manjari, 64% dark chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Valrhona Manjari chocolate has a very fruity flavour profile, resulting from a blend of fine flavour, Criollo and Trinitario cocoa beans from Madagascar. Suitable for all types of use from chocolate making to decoration, desserts and baking.
Valrhona Guanaja, 70% dark chocolate chips
From Valrhona
Guanaja dark chocolate chips offer a powerful flavoured, robust chocolate with reduced acidic taste. A noticeably lingering chocolate with 70% cocoa intensity and depth. Easy meting chocolate. Suitable for wide use from baking, moulding to decoration.
More on Valrhona...
Valrhona - a reputation for quality
Valrhona was one of the first fine chocolate makers to penetrate the UK market with its high quality chocolate, particularly aimed at the professional trade with it’s range of couvertures, perfected for pastry chefs. Fine chocolate up until this point was almost unheard of in the UK and certainly not readably available on the high street. During its growing popularity Valrhona launched many new products appealing to non professionals and today has a wide range of fine chocolates and a long-standing reputation for quality.
A French chocolate
Valrhona is a French chocolate manufacturer based in the small town of Tain L'Hermitage in Hermitage, a wine-growing district near Lyon. The company was founded in 1922 by Monsieur Guironnet, an enterprising French pastry chef from the Rhône valley who opened La Chocolaterie du Vivarais, his first chocolate factory.
History of Valrhona
In 1939 messieurs Bourget and Gonnet bought Guironnet’s chocolate factory on his death and renamed it Etablissements Gonnet, after Albert Gonnet, master confectioner and the company’s new director. He is quickly joined by his son-in-law, Louis Gelet and then by Guy de Loisy, son in law of Bourgeat.
- The company was renamed Gonnet-deLoisy after the death of Albert Gonnet.
- The trademark of Valrhona was first adopted at the beginning of the 1960’s
- In 1975 Luois Gelet retired and Guy de Loisy is succeeded by his son, Oliver.
- In 1984 the company was bought by a family-owned French group.
- From 1985 – 1988 the company launched the “carres” in their black box and the Equicnoxe.
Valrhona today
Each year Valrhona created new chocolates and particularly couvertures, the main part of Valrhona’s business to the professional industry.
Valrhona is today one of the leading producers of high-quality chocolate in the world with 5 subsidiaries and 60 local distributors across the globe.. The company also maintains the Ecole du Grand Chocolat, a school for professional chefs with a focus on chocolate-based dishes and pastries. To make superior chocolate, only the best cocoa will do.
For many years:
- Valrhona has been working to seek out, identify and select the best varieties of cocoa tree in all the regions of the world.
- Building partnerships with planters in carefully selected cocoa-producing countries.
- Creating new plantations where it grows rare species - some of which were in danger of extinction.
The Way it Works
In a space of two years Valrhon’s buyer can review around 80 cocoa plantations in 22 countries. Working direct with producers rather than dealing with wholesale markets and dealers. Working direct with the growers also ensures quality and maintains checks on growing conditions and methods of harvesting, fermenting and drying of the cocoa.
From the plantation to Valrhona
The cocoa beans, once dried, should be stored on the plantation for a limited time only. The beans are examined before shipment to Valrhona and properly packed into appropriate ventilated containers.
Upon arrival at Valrhona’s factory, the cocoa beans receive a painstaking inspection for the following purposes:
- Detect off-odours and eventual off-flavours
- Check for the presence of foreign bodies
- To verify the moisture content
- Ensure all Valrhona’s specifications have been met
- Once in storage the jute sacks of cocoa beans are probed with a sampling iron to extract sufficient beans for a triple qualitative analysis:
- A certain number of beans are cut-test in search of specific faults such as mould or insect damage, evidence of germination, excessive flatness.
- A percentage of hole beans are roasted and smelled.
- A small quantity of roasted beans are made up as chocolate tasting-sample for the in-house experts of Valrhona’s “cacaotheque”, who judge each single-origin specimen for both flavour and conformity to the standard expected from the cocoa of the designated source.
On the basis of these three criteria will be decided the acceptability- or not- of each consignment of cocoa beans to Valrhona.
The storage of accepted shipments of cocoa beans are then held under clean, dry, insect free conditions at a temperature of about 16ºC. They are classified by flavour.
Valrhona chocolates
Valrhona today produce an extensive range of superior quality chocolates from their retail range of vintage and single origin chocolate bars through to bonbons and chocolate specialities including their equally impressive food service products such as their world famous couvertures, fillings and chocolate decorations. As with most top end chocolatiers, Valrhona does not introduce a great deal of new chocolate for the seasons such as Christmas or Easter as this market is mainly focused on lower priced novelties and trends. Valrhona could never be described as a fashionable company although their sleek packaging and high finish of presentation certainly make an impression on anyone lucky enough to receive Valrhona chocolates as a gift. Valrhona's designer look is an added bonus for what is essentially a case of quality over quantity.
Another French chocolate maker of equal, superior quality you may be interested would be Michel Cluizel >
