The Creator:
Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé – it’s a bit of a tongue twister during my tastings, yet always a favorite amongst the participants. This Hungarian chocolate maker is very recognizable in the chocolate world. You’ll spot them immediately in stores due to their unique style. More than once I’m asked if I really am about to break their gorgeous bars.
As a birthday gift from my sister, I received amongst others, their Mexico bar.
Mexico is not the best known cocoa origin and this will be the first in depth review of a bar made with cocoa from this origin. Considered the birth place of cocoa growing, so many centuries ago – the region’s production declined drastically during the last decades. The cocoa industry was hit hard by disease and economical circumstances, causing a major impact on what was once the biggest cocoa growing region. Today however, local initiatives slowly put Mexican cocoa back on the map. More and more chocolate makers rediscover the ancient cradle of fine cocoa.
Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé didn’t just go with any bean to represent the emerging origin. Soconusco grown Criollo should offer the base to create an exciting chocolate bar. Criollo beans are top of the line in fine flavor cocoa and only make up a small percentage of the entire cocoa world production. When such a world class bean is used, the expectations are high. Turned into a 73% chocolate bar, it should hit the mark with many enthousiasts.
Let’s see if it actually is!
The Bar:
Rózsavölgyi’s bars are always a treat. Just look at the wonderful square package. Wrapped in two layers of luxurious paper, they always feel like opening a present. The deep red color with golden Hungarian inspired art, adds to the overall experience. The small cream while sleeve provides all the info needed. Origin, percentage, ingredients, bean type, some info on the company and the chocolate. Both in Hungarian and English. Smooth, simple and effective. As a whole, you sense this isn’t your everyday chocolate bar.
Next comes the bar itself. I’ve seen it so many times by now, yet every time I start to smile. It’s just so pretty. Looking like a ceramic tile with lush, curly decoration. No scoring, so you need to break off pieces as you please. It looks generous and inviting. The aroma simply grabs your attention and makes you want to dig in immediately.
Tasting:
Bean: Criollo
Origin: Soconusco – Chiapas, Mexico
Maker: Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé, Budapest, Hungary
Ingredients: cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter
Price: € 8,5 – 70g – Hilde Devolder, Ghent – Belgium
Batch: MS4501 – N° 0174/4000 – best before 07/03/2021
Harvest: Not mentioned
Color: Ebony brown – quiet dark
Aroma: sexy wood, strong, spicy undertone, an inherent sweetness
Taste: Breakfast time! Toasted bread moves to roasted hazelnut spread. Lemon zest squeezed over and served with a small espresso coffee. Black berry jam om toast! A spoonful of dark honey. Sprinkled with distinct spices I find in every Roszavolgyi chocolate bar – pepper without the heath. Are we done yet? No, we get a more nuts and a slight woody undertone keeps the flavor rolling on. Once the chocolate has melted, the after flavor serves us a fading memory of hazelnuts, covered in sweet caramel and smoky spices – nutmeg.
Wow, just wow… A wonderful bar, full of delicate flavors, never overwhelming and offering great balance and amazing complexity. Light hearted a,d generous, a perfect day starter. Or a great treat at any other moment. Take your time, sit back and relax. Let the flavors take over!
Final evaluation:
Visual appeal: 5/5
Aroma: 4/5
Melt and mouth feel: 4/5
Flavor profile : 5/5
Complexity: 5/5
Overall: 23/25 (****1/2)
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