Valrhona New Retail Collection
April 8, 2009 Sleek with its new packaging and logo design, Valrhona's new retail line proves once again they're on top of the chocolate game. The new square tile-shaped bars are scored with asymmetric lines to encourage an organic tasting and sharing experience.
Each of the eight Grand Crus bars bears an enlarged version of their signature cocoa flower, and each color corresponds to specific Grands Crus. It's hard to choose favorites but both malty Jivara Lait (40% cacao) and the caramelized Tanariva (33%) were great as milk bars.
As for the darks, I loved the Caraibe (66%) and the Alpaco (66%). The Ecuadorian beans in the Alpaco had such a nice oakiness. If you like fruity notes, the Tainori (64%) and the Manjari (64%) will be perfect. The Albinao (85%) is very smooth, not intense at all. Ditto for the Guanaja (70%).
There are four Grands Crus 100 gram Bars with Ingredients. I gobbled up the Jivara with Caramelized Pecans in no time (yes it was that good), and I loved the Manjari with Orange. Such intense citrus flavor! The Caraïbe with Roasted Hazelnuts is a winner, and the Guanaja with Roasted Cocoa Nibs packed a delicate punch.
Available at the Valrhona Boutique (inside the Food Emporium Fine Chocolates Shop) at NYC's Trump Palace, www.Chocosphere.com, and gourmet shops across the U.S. In San Francisco, Fog City News carries several bars from the new line.
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