Chuncho

The Chuncho bar is a testament to the purity of Peruvian cacao, crafted by the Paris-based artisan maker, Plaq. As a dedicated bean-to-bar atelier, Plaq transforms raw ingredients into a finished product entirely within their own facility. The bar is defined by its impressive 84% cacao content, relying on a minimalist recipe that features only two ingredients: high-quality cocoa beans and organic cane sugar.

The heart of this bar lies in the Chuncho beans, sourced from the lush Urubamba Valley in Cusco, Peru. To honor this unique origin, the post-harvest process involves careful fermentation in wooden boxes followed by traditional sun drying. Once at the atelier, the beans undergo a precise refining process in a melanger to achieve a specific texture before being tempered into their final, glossy form. The sensory experience is remarkably nuanced, offering a profile rich with notes of raisins, honey, nuts, and delicate spices.

Plaq's approach to the Chuncho bar centers on transparency and the celebration of terroir. By keeping the ingredient list short and the process artisanal, the maker allows the inherent characteristics of the Cusco region to shine through without the interference of extra cocoa butter or lecithin. It is a refined example of what modern bean-to-bar craftsmanship can achieve when the focus remains strictly on the bean itself.