Chocolate Tasting

By Daniel Gritzer

Trying chocolates side-by-side shows how origin and cacao concentration affect flavor. Compare different bars from around the globe, or lighter-to-darker types from a producer like Michel Cluizel (worldwidechocolate.com).

Single-Origin Dark-Chocolate Tasting

Courtesy of Askinosie Chocolate

Davao, Philippines

For this rare, earthy bar, Askinosie imports Filipino beans. askinosie.com.

Courtesy of Chuao Chocolatier

Chuao, Venezuela

Amano's molassesy bar is made with beans from Chuao, a village known for its cacao. amanochocolate.com.

Courtesy of Madécasse

Madagascar

Madécasse buys Madagascan cacao, and also produces this slightly tart bar there. madecasse.com.

Courtesy of La Maison du Chocolat

Ghana

La Maison du Chocolat makes a smooth, fruity bar using beans from a town in eastern Ghana. lamaisonduchocolat.us.

A Light-to-Dark-Chocolate Tasting

45 percent

This milky chocolate melts easily and is mild and creamy, with a caramel-like finish.

72 percent

A good entry point to darker varieties, this bar is tangier, thanks to its higher percentage of cacao solids.

85 percent

As the cacao level rises and the amount of sugar drops, the chocolate takes on a more tannic quality.

99 percent

With almost no sugar, this intense and bitter bar is more like a savory snack than a dessert.

Three Great Wine Pairings

NV New York Malmsey Special Reserve Madeira ($47)

Madeira tends to have an inherent chocolatyness that makes it go with chocolate.

Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port ($20)

Port is a classic match for chocolate, thanks to its balance of sweetness and fruit. Try this coffee-scented one.

2008 Dashe Late Harvest Zinfandel ($24)

Unlike dry reds, this late-harvest Zin has enough sugar to work with chocolate. —Megan Krigbaum

More Decadent Desserts:

Chocolate Cooking Guide

Our Richest Chocolate Desserts

Pairing Chocolate and Wine

Published December 2010