Chuao 76%, Venezuela is one of PLAQ’s signature bean-to-bar dark chocolates, made from rare cocoa beans sourced from the village of Chuao in Venezuela, a region widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious cocoa origins. The chocolate contains only two ingredients: 76% Chuao cocoa beans and organic cane sugar, without added cocoa butter, lecithin, vanilla, or other additives.
This minimalist approach allows the unique character of the cocoa to shine through, revealing a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, tart red and yellow fruits, cooked fruit, toasted nuts, and subtle vegetal nuances. Chuao cocoa is prized for its rarity, limited production, and distinctive terroir created by the region’s tropical climate and centuries-old cocoa-growing tradition.
For PLAQ, this origin holds particular significance because it was the first cocoa plantation visited by the founders during their formative journey into chocolate making in 2018. The chocolate has received recognition for its aromatic complexity, including an award from the Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat in 2022.
Produced according to PLAQ’s bean-to-bar philosophy, Chuao 76% showcases the brand’s commitment to transparency, craftsmanship, and highlighting the individuality of exceptional cocoa origins.
Producer
PLAQ is a Parisian bean-to-bar chocolate maker founded by Sandra Mielenhausen and Nicolas Rozier-Chabert, with its boutique and workshop located on Rue du Nil in Paris. The brand is focused on making chocolate directly from carefully selected cocoa beans, transforming them slowly and by hand in small batches.
Its approach is based on simplicity, transparency, and respect for the natural character of cocoa, with many products made from only cocoa and sugar, without added cocoa butter, vanilla, lecithin, or artificial additives. PLAQ sources beans from agroforestry cocoa farms and works to highlight the specific aromatic profile of each origin, from fruity and floral notes to deeper roasted flavors.
The space functions as both a chocolate workshop and a boutique, allowing visitors to see the production process and taste chocolate close to its source. Since opening in 2019, PLAQ has become known as one of the distinctive names in the new Parisian craft chocolate scene, combining French culinary precision with the bean-to-bar philosophy.