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)
Venchi is a renowned Italian brand with a chocolate and gelato-making tradition spanning over 145 years. Founded in 1878 by young chocolatier Silviano Venchi, the company has grown into a symbol of artisanal excellence and Italian taste. Today, Venchi operates in more than 70 countries with a network of over 180 boutiques and stores worldwide, including prestigious locations across Italy, Europe, Asia, and the United States. The brand’s assortment includes over 350 chocolate recipes and around 90 gelato flavors, all centered around high-quality ingredients. Venchi regularly receives awards for excellence, confirming its position as one of the most respected chocolate producers in Italy. It combines a rich chocolate-making heritage with modern values - authenticity, quality, and innovation.
Awards
Tavoletta D'Oro - The best in category
(2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018)
Tavoletta D'Oro - Premio del ventennale Award
(2024)
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)
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)
La Perla di Torino is a prestigious Italian brand from Turin, founded in 1992 by Sergio Arzilli, who, driven by his personal experience with celiac disease, dedicated his career to creating high-quality gluten-free chocolate. At the heart of the brand’s identity are its chocolate truffles - an authentic expression of Piedmont’s chocolate-making tradition - which have established La Perla as one of the most recognized ambassadors of Italian chocolate excellence. The brand stands out for its commitment to premium local ingredients, especially the renowned Tonda Gentile hazelnuts from the Langhe region, and for its carefully crafted recipes that balance classic flavors with modern dietary needs. The result is a line of products that seamlessly combines tradition and innovation, offered in vegan, lactose-free, and sugar-free versions, making La Perla a symbol of contemporary Italian chocolate craftsmanship.
Crea is an Italian chocolate producer known for its high-quality chocolate products. The company specializes in various forms of chocolate including bars, spreads, and pralines. Crea chocolate is crafted using traditional techniques combined with modern technology to ensure premium quality. They source cocoa beans from select regions to maintain consistent taste and texture in their products. Crea also emphasizes sustainable practices in their production process.
Cioccolato Puro is an artisan chocolate producer based in Pinerolo, Italy. The company focuses on creating high-quality, handmade chocolates using traditional techniques. They source fine cocoa beans and other natural ingredients to ensure premium flavors in their products. The brand offers a variety of chocolate products, including bars, pralines, and seasonal specialties.
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 15 Piedmontese Chocolates” list until June 02, 2026, 0 ratings were recorded, of which 0 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.