Valrhona chocolate, for years available only to commercial manufacturers, is now one of the most sought after gourmet chocolates, with many dark chocolate varieties, including several unique single-source options.
Founded in 1922 and originally called "La Chocolaterie de Vivarais", the company was renamed "Valrhona" in the 1950s as a play on the words "Rhône" and "valley", where the company is still headquartered. Until 1986, Valrhona sold its products exclusively to commercial chocolate manufacturers.
Valrhona started the trend of providing cocoa percentages on product packages, and most of their eating chocolate products are dark. They have several dark chocolate products made from beans blended from various locations, ranging from 55% to 85% cocoa content. Valrhona still sells a very large selection of chocolate products for commercial manufacturers, but they also sell an excellent line of consumer dark chocolates that are among the best.
Grand Cru
Many manufacturers produce some kind of single origin product, but Valrhona has two unique product lines that take this idea even further.
In 1984 they introduced their Grand Cru chocolates. Ranging in cocoa content from 64% to 85%, the 6 dark Grand Crus are made with beans from plantations within a single geographic region: Honduras, the Carribbean, Madagascar, the Dominican Republic, Equador, and Africa.
Look here for the Valrhona Grand Cru choices. Many of these are packaged both for eating and for cooking. And be sure to look look at the Grand Cru collection at the end.
Single Estate Vintage
Valrhona also produces three dark 64% Chocolates du Domaine (estate chocolates). Each of these estate chocolates, from either Madagascar, Trinidad, or Venezuela, is made from the best beans of a specific plantation in a specific year, marked with both the domain and the year, similar to wine (but don't let them sit, they won't get better with age). Another estate chocolate, Chuao (Venezuela) was discontinued in 2004.
See the Valrhona Chocolates du Domaine Vintage 2009 here.
And here are a couple of extra Valrhona dark chocolates.
Chocolate Making
I mentioned earlier that Valrhona began its life by selling exclusively to commercial chocolate manufacturers. Many of the Grand Cru products are packaged for both individual eating and larger-scale manufacturing, but, additionally, many Valrhona products are still packaged solely for this purpose.
Here are some Valrhona products packaged exclusively for chocolate making.
Manjari
This decadent 64% cocoa dark chocolate has a fresh, acidic, sharp bouquet with red fruit notes. Made from the harmonious blending of cocoa beans from plantations in Madagascar chosen for their particular flavor characteristics.
2.5 oz (70 g) bars, 4 bar pack, $18.95
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
6.6 lb (3 kg) couverture chips, £59.95
Shipping: Ships to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other International addresses. Warm Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Manjari with Orange
A subtle alliance of fruity and tangy notes, plus the added bonus of orange. This sensational 64% cocoa bar, made of beans from Madagascar, will simply melt in your mouth.
3.5 oz (100 g)
bars, 15 bar pack, $77.49
Shipping:
Ships to US addresses.
Warm Weather:
Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through
Wednesday shipping.
Tainori
An extremely fruity and long lasting character 64% cocoa dark chocolate. The latest single origin chocolate from Valrhona created from Trinitario cocoa from the Dominican Republic. Exuding flavors of yellow fruit with notes of roasted almonds. Certain to be a hit with all Valrhona chocolate lovers.
2.5 oz (70 g) bars, 4 bar pack, $9.95
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
Caraibe
This 66% cocoa dark chocolate is the result of a combination of the finest cocoa beans from the Caribbean islands, providing a moderate dark chocolate bar with not too much bitterness, a smooth melt, and lingering finish.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
6.6 lb (3 kg) les feves (bean-shaped chocolate drops), $82.95
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
Caraibe Noisette
The refined taste of this 66% cocoa dark chocolate made from the best Caribbean cocoa beans blends perfectly with the delicate flavor of deep-roasted hazelnuts.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
3.5 oz (100 g)
bars, 15 bar pack, $77.49
Shipping: Ships to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other International addresses. Warm Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Guanaja
This 70% cocoa dark chocolate bar is created from a blend of Trinitario and Criollo cocoa beans from the island of Guanaja in the Caribbean. This provides a powerfully flavored, single origin chocolate with floral notes. A noticeably lingering chocolate with intensity and depth.
2.5 oz (70 g)
bars, £3.45
(See Shipping 1)
2.5
oz (70 g) bars, 4 bar pack, $18.95
(See Shipping 2)
3.5 oz (100 g)
bar with Cocoa Nibs, 15 bar pack, $77.49
(See Shipping 3)
6.6
lb (3 kg) block, $84.95
(See Shipping 2)
6.6
lb (3 kg) les feves (bean-shaped chocolate drops), $86.50
(See Shipping 2)
6.6
lb (3 kg) couverture chips, £59.95
(See Shipping 1)
Shipping 1: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses.
Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Shipping 2:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
Shipping 3:
Ships to US addresses.
Warm Weather:
Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through
Wednesday shipping.
Alpaco
Created from the Arriba Nacional cocoa bean from Ecuador, this bar is a wonderful contrast of deep 66% cocoa and lighter floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Abinao
A true dark chocolate bar with 85% cocoa. The cocoa beans from Africa create powerful tannins witha strong, lingering intensity.
2.5 oz (70 g) bars, 4 bar pack, $18.95
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
6.6 lb (3 kg) bag couverture chips, £59.95
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses.
Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Grand Cru Collection
This very sleek gift box contains a total of 66 tasting squares of each of the dark chocolate, single origins from Valrhona: Manjari, Tainori, Caraibe, Guanaja, Alpaco and Abinao. The inside of the box details the tasting notes of each origin contained. Makes an ideal gift or an interesting dark chocolate tasting finale to your dinner party.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Valrhona Chocolates du Domaine Vintage 2009
Ampamakia Vintage 2009
Full of tart, exotic fruit flavors with a distinct sherbet edge, this 64% cocoa single estate dark chocolate is a fine blend of Trinitario cocoa beans from the Millot plantation in Madagascar.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Gran Couva Vintage 2009
A 64% cocoa bar created from fine flavor Trinitario cocoa
beans from a single year's harvest at the San Juan
Estate, Gran Couva plantation, found on the Caribbean island
of Trinidad. This 2009 vintage chocolate provides predominant flavors
of roasted almonds and hazelnuts with slight notes of spice. Very
little tart fruits, unlike the Ampamakia, and less sweet than the
Palmira.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Palmira Vintage 2009
Created from the fine flavored Criollo cocoa beans from the Palmira plantation in west Venezuela, this 64% cocoa bar exudes fruit notes with an additional very distinct honey flavor, for a quite sweet dark chocolate.
The Palmira 2009 is now no longer available. The 2010 vintage will be available in September.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cao Grande
Arguably the finest of all the organic chocolate bars available, this 70% cocoa bar is true to the Valrhona signature flavor profile, with tart fruit flavors and exceptional length of taste. All organic chocolate should have this quality of flavor.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Valrhona Equinoxe Noir, dark chocolate enrobed nuts
A large 250g box of high quality Marconas almonds and Italian hazelnuts. Covered in fine, Valrhona 55% cocoa dark chocolate. The Valrhona Equinoxe Noir is smartly packaged for gift giving or personal delight.
Shipping: Ships to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other International addresses. Warm Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
More Couvertures and Chocolate Making Products
Les Feves Equatorial Noir
These 55% cocoa "Les Feves", bean-shaped chocolate drops, are practical for dosing smaller chocolate quantities. A multi-purpose chocolate couverture with a very balanced flavor.
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
Valrhona Couverture 61% Cocoa
An economically packaged 1kg block of fine Valrhona couverture chocolate. Ideal for when a bar simply isn't enough. At 61% cocoa content this particular chocolate appeals to the majority of tastes due to the absence of any bitterness. Created for use in cooking, baking and decoration.
Shipping: Ships to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other International addresses. Warm Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Valrhona Couverture 68% Cocoa
Le Noir 68% by Valrhona is an aromatic blend of South American Criollos and African Forasteros. Its intense flavours will give your desserts, homemade pastry or chocolate mousses a pure, unique and authentic chocolate taste.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Andoa Couverture 70% Cocoa
This dark chocolate couverture (cooking chocolate) chips from Valrhona is both Fairtrade and organic. A wonderfully blended dark chocolate resulting from a blend of Grand Crus giving depth of character and finishing freshness. For wide use in baking, decoration and all applications of chocolate making.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Araguani Les Feves
A great 72% cocoa baking chocolate that comes as cocoa bean shaped drops, ready to use and easy to melt.
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
Valrhona 100% Cocoa Powder
This high quality cocoa powder is 100% unsweetened, pure, and very intense. Used by the best professionals for baking and decoration.
Shipping:
Ships to US and Canada.
Warm Weather:
Ships with mandatory warm weather packaging during Summer months,
recommend warm weather packaging if destination is over 74º F during
other months. Restricted shipping days.
Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Valrhona Chocolate Sauce
This handy pouch of extra fine, 50% cocoa dark chocolate sauce is great for use in baking, decoration, toppings and chocolate making. Simply snip the corner and microwave for a luxury hot chocolate topping on any dessert.
7 oz (200 g) tube, £3.95Shipping: Ships
to US and Canada. Ships to UK and many European and other
International addresses. Warm
Weather: Advise against chocolate deliveries to
warmer countries, or when temperatures will be above 20 degrees
centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
