Manufacturer: Pralus
Cocoa Content: 100%
Location: Madagascar
Manufacturer Website
Rating: A

Today's tasting is the Le 100% dark chocolate from French chocolate maker François Pralus. The Le 100% is made from Madagascan Criollo beans from the Sambirano Valley. The bar is mahogany in color with red-orange highlights. The nose is rather reserved, with both floral and fruit notes.

As expected for an unsweetened chocolate, the palate is first hit with a bitter note. A strong nutty roast soon takes over with roasted almonds and a distinct dark pretzel note. The acidity is notable with lemon/citrus and sour cherries. As the citrus fades to finish, complex nutty and earthy undertones pop out. The Le 100% has a soft, yielding chew that brings forward hazelnut, lemon peel and more the the well-done pizza dough/pretzel roast note. The mouthfeel has mouthwatering, juicy acidity and a smooth melt. The finish has roasted coffee, and as the acid dies down notes of earth, wood and almonds open up.

Pralus knows how to roast a bean, and there is no clearer example of that than the Le 100%. The distinct doughy/pretzely roast notes on this bar are fantastic. And despite the prominent roast character of this chocolate, there is plenty of acidity available to counteract the bitterness of an unsweetened chocolate. While the acidity does mute some complexity in this bar, it is in just the right balance for a 100% cacao chocolate bar. The Le 100% is truly one of the best chocolates out there.