Bar of the Week: Michel Cluizel Vila Gracinda

Region: Africa

Cocoa Content: 67%

The Island of Sao Tome, just off the coast of central Africa, has been called the "birthplace of African Cacao in the 19th Century." It's marine climate and rich volcanic soil make it an ideal environment for producing some of the world's most flavorful and aromatic cacao.

Well aware of this fact, Michel Cluizel established a private cacao plantation on the island, the Vila Gracinda Estate. All of the cacao beans used to make this week's featured bar were grown on this estate, and the distinct flavors of the region--ripe, tropical fruits, spices-- shine through beautifully.

And, like all of Cluizel's dark chocolate bars, the Vila Gracinda Plantation bar contains only cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and natural vanilla bean (no soy lecithin to be found!). You'll find Cluizel's Noble Ingredients seal of approval right on the box: