Zotter Labooko Indien 70%
Zotter - Indien - Dunkle Schokolade - 70% - Batch 22.03.2025
Cacao origin/type:
Local cacao variety (they call these beans "Selection Noir de Noir" in Uganda according to zotter)
Ingredients:
Cacao beans, raw cane sugar, cacao butter
Other facts:
Made in Austria (zotter Schokolade GmbH, Riegersburg), BMEL seal for organic farming, Fairtrade
Conching time: 20h
"Today's Zotter Chocolate Manufactory traces its origins back to the pastry shop opened in 1987 by Graz-based chocolatier Josef Zotter. Zotter quickly gained recognition for his innovative products and was able to transition entirely to chocolate production starting in 1999. Early on, Zotter also turned his attention to production conditions in the cocoa producing countries: since 2004, Zotter chocolate has been available only in Fairtrade quality, and since 2006, exclusively in organic Fairtrade quality. With a focus on a smooth melt and variety-specific flavors, Josef Zotter has since earned a reputation as one of Europe's best bean-to-bar chocolate makers." - chclt.net
The single origin of zotter are designwise quite peculiar, small and narrow to open package in two separate small panels of 35g each, the front design always a kind of pop art motif, not quite my cup of tea, but a matter of personal taste. Inside you find a detailed text on the “official” tasting notes and also more info and photos on the beans, what bean-to-bar means, etc., as well as the two bars left and right in classic golden aluminum foil with logo. Also a small card with "instructions" or tips for smart tasting of high-quality chocolate is amusingly included.
This India bar has a classic dark brown color with no other characteristic color tones and a very matte finish. Like all Zotter single-origin chocolates, it features intricate detailing—including the logo, lettering, and a wavy pattern—on the two small bars; it's a little work of art and beautifully thin. In this case, it breaks relatively dull for such a high-cocoa-content chocolate and not very evenly.
Aroma:
Peach, accompanied by light nutty notes such as almonds, a hint of watermelon and apricot, and, in the background with a touch of warmth, a subtle hint of nutmeg
Taste:
Delicate, authentic chocolate character; deep taste of chocolate mousse; full-bodied; halfway through, very subtle, delicate roasted notes of light nuts, almonds, and cashews emerge; then, only in the final third, a delicate acidity of pickled cherries, dried fruit, and plums suddenly appears in the finish, with brief hints of nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon in between
Finish:
The finish is beautifully creamy and lingering, with notes of plum jam, light nuts, and dried peach
Comment:
Like all Zotter chocolates, this one is made to a high standard and has a lovely, creamy melt, but I feel it lacks just a touch of character between the tasting notes. Still, it's a great chocolate from a country rarely seen in the single-origin category.
