One of the most celebrated and distinctive chocolates from Amedei Toscana, Chuao 70% is produced from exceptionally rare cacao originating in the historic cacao-growing region of Chuao, Venezuela.
Amedei describes Chuao cacao as a primitive Criollo, born from the natural crossing of different cultivars that evolved over centuries in this isolated Venezuelan territory. The resulting chocolate is bold yet beautifully rounded, combining impressive cacao depth with an unusually elegant aromatic profile of white flowers, toasted bread and rich hot chocolate.
Presented here as a 2018 selection of 12 individual Napolitains, it is a wonderful chocolate for slow, comparative tasting.
Producer: Amedei Toscana
Chocolate Origin: Pontedera, Tuscany, Italy
Cacao Origin: Chuao, Venezuela
Cacao Type: Primitive Criollo
Cocoa: Minimum 70%
Style: Rare-Origin Extra Dark Chocolate
Selection: 2018
Format: 12 Napolitains · 54 g / 1.90 oz
The recipe is exceptionally pure: cocoa mass, cane sugar and cocoa butter. With no additional flavorings, the extraordinary personality of the Chuao cacao remains at the center of the experience.
Aroma:
Immediately expressive yet refined, with deep cacao and the comforting aroma of hot chocolate, followed by freshly toasted bread and a surprisingly delicate fragrance of white flowers. These are the signature aromatic characteristics identified by Amedei for Chuao.
Palate:
Rich and enveloping, with concentrated dark chocolate at its core. The initial cacao intensity gradually becomes rounder and more nuanced, revealing toasted notes and a delicate floral character. Despite its depth, there is an impressive softness and harmony to the chocolate.
Texture:
Smooth, dense and beautifully refined, with a clean snap followed by a silky, gradual melt that allows the cacao's complexity to develop slowly across the palate.
Finish:
Long and deeply satisfying, with lingering dark cacao, toasted bread and warm chocolate notes accompanied by a subtle floral lift.
The name Chuao comes directly from the Venezuelan region where this extraordinary cacao is cultivated. Amedei identifies it as one of the world's rarest cacao types—a primitive Criollo whose character developed through the natural crossing of different cultivars over centuries.
This rarity and distinctive provenance make Chuao one of the most fascinating chocolates in the Amedei portfolio. Rather than relying simply on high cacao concentration, its appeal comes from the individuality and complexity of the cacao itself.
For wine lovers, Chuao can be understood much like a celebrated single vineyard: its identity is inseparable from its origin, genetics and terroir.
This particular presentation is identified as the 2018 selection, adding an appealing vintage dimension to an already rare chocolate.
The 12 individually portioned Napolitains make this an ideal format for a contemplative tasting, allowing each piece to melt slowly and reveal the remarkable aromatic complexity of the Chuao cacao.
Amedei Chuao 2018 70% is a chocolate for the serious enthusiast—rare, distinctive and remarkably sophisticated.
What makes it special is not simply its 70% cacao concentration, but the character of the cacao itself. White flowers, toasted bread and rich hot chocolate create an aromatic profile quite different from Amedei's fruit-driven single-origin chocolates.
For anyone exploring the highest levels of artisan chocolate, Chuao and Porcelana are two of Amedei's most compelling expressions. Porcelana emphasizes extraordinary delicacy and finesse, while Chuao offers a bolder, rounder and more deeply satisfying personality.
Because of Chuao's rarity and aromatic complexity, I would avoid overly aggressive spirits and choose pairings that complement rather than dominate it.
Vin Santo is particularly attractive, with its nutty and toasted character echoing the chocolate beautifully. 20-Year Tawny Port or mature Madeira can provide additional dried-fruit richness, while an elegant aged Cognac complements the chocolate's warmth without masking its floral nuances.
For a non-alcoholic experience, pair with a beautifully prepared espresso, or simply taste the first Napolitain completely on its own before introducing any pairing.
PAIR WITH:
Vin Santo · 20-Year Tawny Port · Madeira · Fine Cognac · Aged Rum · Espresso
Amedei recommends storing Chuao in a cool, dry place between 14°C and 18°C
