UPDATE; This bar has been replaced with the new soya lecithin free version here
A high cocoa dark chocolate bar producing a bitter chocolate of sophisticated taste.
- The Abinao chocolate bar from Valrhona is created from a blend of Forastero cocoa beans from Africa. A fine, bitter chocolate with powerful, tannic, lingering intensity. Created from the Arriba Nacional cocoa bean from Ecuador.
Valrhona, a French master chocolate maker..
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).
Dietary Information
Flavour profile
- Acidity
- Bitter
- Fruit
- Roast
Cocoa content
85%
Cocoa Origin
- Africa
Cocoa Variety
- Forastero
I agree with others that this is the superior bar to the Cluizel 85% but I much prefer Pralus' Fortissima at 80%. I think if you're going to produce an 85% bar you should harness the natural bitterness rather than kill it but that may just be me. That said, I do admire Amadei's Chuao at 70% despite the fact they also kill the bitterness but the flavour of that bar is spectacular!
I liked this well enough but I personally find Valhrona to be overrated.