Guido Castagna is a distinguished Italian chocolatier celebrated for his commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability. At the heart of his philosophy lies the "Metodo Naturale" (Natural Method), a production approach that honours the natural rhythms of ingredients and emphasises respect for raw materials, artisans, and the environment.
This meticulous process begins with the careful selection of premium cocoa beans, which are allowed to rest for three months upon arrival to stabilise their aromatic profiles. Subsequently, the beans are roasted at low temperatures to preserve their inherent flavours. The tempered chocolate is then moulded into blocks and aged for six months under controlled conditions, allowing the flavours to mature fully.
guidocastagna.it
Among Castagna's acclaimed creations is the Giuinott®, a modern reinterpretation of the traditional gianduiotto. This confection combines Venezuelan Chuao cocoa with IGP Piedmont hazelnuts, resulting in a harmonious blend that has garnered multiple gold awards at the International Chocolate Awards.
Awards
International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
(2024)
International Chocolate Awards - ‘Best in competition' overall winners
(2023)
Domori is a visionary Italian chocolate maker that has forever changed the world of fine chocolate. Founded in 1997 by Gianluca Franzoni, Domori became a pioneer in the use of exceptionally rare and precious cocoa varieties, particularly the Criollo type, widely regarded as the finest in the world. It was the first company to establish its own plantation of noble cacao, ensuring full control over the quality and origin of its raw materials. Its unique processing approach, which involves minimal intervention and no conching, preserves the authentic notes of the cacao. Domori’s chocolates are often made with just cocoa mass and sugar, without vanilla, lecithin, or additives—pure essence of flavor. A multi-award-winning brand, Domori is celebrated for its unparalleled aromatic complexity and elegance. Today, as part of the Illy group, Domori continues to lead the revolution in fine chocolate, inviting true connoisseurs to experience chocolate at its highest expression. Domori is not just chocolate—it is a tribute to noble origins, craftsmanship, and deep respect for every cacao bean.
Awards
Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
(2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003)
Tavoletta D'Oro - Premio del ventennale Award
(2024, 2023)
Guido Gobino is a prestigious Turin-based chocolatier and master of gianduja, whose name today stands as a symbol of exceptional Italian artisanal chocolate. His story begins in 1964, when his father Giuseppe founded the “Laboratorio Artigianale del Giandujotto” dedicated to preserving and elevating the traditional craft of gianduja – a chocolate specialty made with hazelnuts and cocoa. Guido took over the family business and transformed it into an internationally acclaimed brand by blending time-honored techniques with modern innovations and a continuous pursuit of excellence. At the heart of his creations are premium ingredients: Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnuts, milk from Piedmont, and carefully selected cocoa beans sourced from Latin America, all within a strict “bean-to-bar” philosophy. His collection includes original giandujotti, Tourinot pralines, cremino with olive oil and sea salt, refined filled chocolates, and single-origin chocolate bars. Today, his creations can be found in fine boutiques and gourmet shops across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Thanks to his unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity, Guido Gobino has become a global ambassador of Turin’s chocolate-making tradition and one of Italy’s most respected chocolatiers.
Awards
Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
(2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2002)
Tavoletta D'Oro - Premio del ventennale Award
(2024, 2023)
Giraudi is a renowned Italian chocolatier based in the Piedmont region, known for its premium hazelnut and chocolate creations since 1907. Family tradition and a passion for artisanal craftsmanship remain the foundation of the brand, which blends local ingredients with contemporary flavors. Their products are based on IGP Tonda Gentile Trilobata hazelnuts, which they carefully roast and process in-house to preserve their full aroma. One of their signature products is the creamy Giacometta spread, available in both classic and dark versions. The spread is made exclusively with cocoa butter and contains no palm oil, which contributes to its exceptionally smooth texture and rich, natural hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
Handcrafted production, dedication to quality, and the use of locally sourced ingredients make Giraudi a true symbol of Piedmontese excellence. Their philosophy is simple: fewer ingredients, more flavor, no compromises.
Awards
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
(2018, 2017)
Piccola Pasticceria is a charming little pastry shop located in Casale Monferrato, Italy. This producer specializes in traditional Italian sweets, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of cakes, pastries, croissants, and other delightful treats, often beautifully decorated.
The atmosphere at Piccola Pasticceria is warm and inviting, and the staff is known for their friendliness and willingness to recommend specialties. Many visitors return for the authentic flavors and attention to detail in every creation. If you find yourself nearby, it's definitely worth stopping by to enjoy one of their sweet delights!
Pasticceria Vacchieri Marco is an Italian artisan pastry shop and chocolate maker based in Rivalta di Torino in the Piedmont region, known for its handcrafted desserts, chocolates, and gelato. The family business was founded on October 28, 1993, when Marco Vacchieri and his father opened their first shop, and over the years the brand has become one of the recognized names in Piedmont’s artisan pastry scene. Their assortment includes fresh pastries, cakes, pralines, gianduia specialties, traditional Italian pastries, and artisanal gelato made without artificial additives or colorings. The company is particularly appreciated for its chocolate creations and pralines that combine elegant presentation with classic Piedmont flavors such as hazelnuts and gianduia. Pasticceria Vacchieri has received several international recognitions, including gold and silver medals at the International Chocolate Awards. The brand was also listed among the 100 best Italian artisans and has been featured in gastronomic guides and publications such as Gambero Rosso. Their cakes are known for refined aesthetics, carefully selected ingredients, and balanced flavors, making them popular for celebrations and special occasions. In addition to sweets, the pastry shop offers dry pastries, savory products, and seasonal specialties throughout the year. The philosophy of the brand revolves around “dolci intuizioni” meaning desserts created through a combination of creativity, emotion, and traditional Italian pastry craftsmanship. Their boutique located at Via Roma 2 in Rivalta di Torino has become a well-known gourmet destination near Turin for lovers of artisan pastries and fine chocolate.
Awards
International Chocolate Awards - Gold
(2013)
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
(2016, 2015, 2014)
Bodrato Cioccolato, established in the town of Novi Ligure, is known for its traditional approach to chocolate making, particularly specializing in the artisan technique called 'boero'. This method involves creating chocolate pralines that are especially recognized for containing liqueur. The company prides itself on using high-quality, natural ingredients to produce a range of chocolates that respect Piedmontese confectionery traditions.
Awards
Tavoletta D'Oro -
(2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017)
International Chocolate Awards - Silver
(2020, 2018)
Bessone is a chocolate producer based in the Piedmont region of Italy. Known for its traditional methods, the company specializes in high-quality chocolates made from locally sourced ingredients. Piedmont is famous for its hazelnuts, which Bessone incorporates into many of their products.
Baratti & Milano is one of Italy’s most historic chocolate and confectionery producers, originating from Turin in the Piedmont region. The company was founded in 1858 by Ferdinando Baratti and Edoardo Milano and gradually became a symbol of Turin’s refined chocolate-making tradition. Its famous Caffè Baratti & Milano, located inside the historic Galleria Subalpina in central Turin since 1875, is considered one of the city’s iconic culinary landmarks. The brand is especially renowned for its gianduja chocolate, made with cocoa and the prestigious Piedmont hazelnut variety Tonda Gentile delle Langhe. Baratti & Milano is also closely associated with the tradition of cremino chocolates, a classic layered praline specialty from Turin. Throughout its history, the company served as an official supplier to the House of Savoy, reinforcing its reputation within Italian gastronomic culture. Today, its assortment includes gianduiotti chocolates, cremini, premium chocolate bars, pralines with pistachios and hazelnuts, candies, and traditional Italian hot chocolate products. The brand is recognized for combining elegant packaging with long-standing artisan recipes and high-quality ingredients. Particular attention is given to the selection of cocoa and Piedmont hazelnuts, which remain central to its identity. Baratti & Milano continues to represent one of the most distinguished names in Turin’s historic confectionery and chocolate heritage.
Davide Barbero is a renowned torroneria and chocolatier from Asti, in the heart of Piedmont, which has been nurturing the tradition of fine confectionery since 1883. Relying on artisanal methods and carefully selected ingredients, the company produces a wide range of premium sweets. As a producer with more than 140 years of continuous family heritage, Davide Barbero stands out for its commitment to authentic recipes and the use of only the highest quality ingredients. The company never compromises on quality – each product reflects the family’s passion and dedication, from traditional torrone and giandujotti chocolates to contemporary reinterpretations. Thanks to this philosophy, Davide Barbero is recognized not only throughout Italy but also in the finest gourmet shops around the world, where it is celebrated as a symbol of exceptional Italian confectionery tradition.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot,
nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable.
For the “Top 19 Piedmontese Chocolate Spreads” list until June 06, 2026, 264 ratings were recorded, of which 221 were recognized by the system as legitimate.
TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods,
instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.
The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews.
The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.