The Castronovo Chuao 72% 2020 Harvest Dark Chocolate Bar is nothing short of exceptional. This is a rich, indulgent chocolate masterpiece with subtle notes of lightly toasted nuts and a gorgeous brightness that unfolds in the middle of the flavor evolution. This exquisite bar is truly one to savor mindfully. 

Chuao beans are prized for their high quality and are considered one of the world's rarest and finest cacao beans. The Chuao region, in the cloud forest of the northern coastal range of Venezuela, is hemmed in by mountains. The only way to access this remote area is to board a boat or walk through the jungle. The supply of this variety of Chuao cacao beans is extremely limited. 

Experts agree that the Chuao are choice beans not only because of their unique genetics but also because of the intense work of La Empresa Campesina of Chuao during the pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest. This female-run company has exclusive rights to harvest the Chuao beans, which have been growing in the village for more than 400 years. These women are descendants of the slaves of Chuao’s last-surviving Spanish heir, Doña Catalina, and now the plantation is entirely theirs to tend with love and care. Their excellent farming, fermenting and drying techniques have been passed along from generation to generation, and therefore, the exceptional quality of the Chuao cacao beans has remained consistent throughout the years. As the women work, they sing, “Long live the Chuao cacao, founded by Doña Catalina. It is rich and tasty and harvested by all of us!”

• Net Weight: 62 g. / 2.2 oz.
• Country of Origin: USA