What is Bordeaux Chocolate?

Bordeaux chocolate, a delightful treat for all chocolate lovers, has an incredible history and unique flavors that set it apart from other varieties. Originating from the Bordeaux region in France, this chocolate has strong historical connections to the area. Sailors used to unload the precious xocoatl in the port, giving birth to a long-lasting and inseparable relationship between chocolate and Bordeaux.

Among the famous confections under the Bordeaux chocolate umbrella, we find See’s Milk Bordeaux and the Sarments du Médoc. See’s Milk Bordeaux is a heavenly blend of creamy brown sugar covered in milk chocolate and decorated with chocolate sprinkles. On the other hand, Sarments du Médoc is a popular take on a chocolate stick, with a shape evoking vine shoots – a nod to the region’s winemaking heritage.

The rich Bordeaux chocolate flavors are crafted by some of the best chocolate artisans in France. These chocolatiers fuse their expertise with traditional recipes and modern techniques to create delightful flavors that cater to connoisseurs and casual chocolate fans alike.

 

Bordeaux Chocolate: A History

It all began when Anne of Austria came to marry Louis XIII in Bordeaux back in 1615. She brought chocolate with her as part of her wedding dowry, introducing the delicacy to French society.

As chocolate gained popularity in France, its history was further enriched by the influence of European royalty. For instance, when Europeans first encountered cocoa, Emperor Charles V, who was also the King of Spain at that time, had nuns transform it into a sweeter beverage by adding spices and honey. This played a significant role in shaping the taste and characteristics of future chocolate recipes.

Bordeaux chocolate eventually flourished during the 19th century, with the city becoming a hub for chocolate makers who created their unique specialties. With a focus on the architectural and gastronomic heritage of Bordeaux, these chocolatiers worked tirelessly to perfect their craft while preserving the essence of traditional flavors. Some of these ancient establishments still operate in the region today, earning high regard among chocolate enthusiasts.

Over the years, Bordeaux chocolate has come to represent the fine quality and unique taste associated with the region. Talented local chocolatiers continue to innovate and create exceptional confections while always paying homage to the rich history of chocolate in Bordeaux.

 

Flavors and Types

Bordeaux chocolate is a delightful treat that has gained popularity for its unique and indulgent flavor profile. This chocolate variety typically features a smooth and creamy filling, often made with brown sugar, which gives it a distinctively rich taste.

One of the most popular forms of Bordeaux chocolate is the Milk Bordeaux, which is a heavenly blend of creamy brown sugar filling covered in milk chocolate and decorated with chocolate sprinkles.

For those who prefer a more intense chocolate experience, there is Dark Chocolate Bordeaux. This version swaps out the milk chocolate exterior for a smooth dark chocolate coating, providing a more robust cocoa flavor that complements the creamy chocolate filling.

Aside from the traditional Bordeaux chocolate, new variations have emerged to cater to different palates and preferences. Some chocolates incorporate the use of Guinette, a French chocolate filled with fermented cherries, adding a tangy and fruity touch to the experience. Others might experiment with a pinch of salt, which can enhance the flavor of both milk and dark chocolates by contrasting the sweetness.

 

Key Ingredients

• Butter: Butter is generally used in making the fudge centers of the chocolate, where it is melted and combined with brown sugar. The quantity of butter used in a typical recipe may be around 1/2 cup.
• Brown Sugar: Another crucial ingredient in Bordeaux chocolate is brown sugar, which provides a distinct caramel-like sweetness. The brown sugar is mixed with melted butter and other ingredients such as whipping cream, instant coffee, and a pinch of salt. Recipes usually call for 1 cup of brown sugar to create that authentic taste.
• Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate is used for coating the fudge centers of Bordeaux chocolates, which adds a touch of creaminess to the overall flavor profile. Milk chocolate also complements the rich, brown sugar fudge centers. Depending on the recipe, about 12 ounces of milk chocolate might be required.
• Cocoa Beans: Cocoa beans are the primary source of chocolate and serve as the foundation for Bordeaux chocolates. The history of chocolate in Bordeaux can be traced back to cocoa plants native to South America’s rainforests. When Europeans were introduced to cocoa, it was transformed into a sweeter beverage with the addition of spices and honey.
• Chocolate Sprinkles: An essential finishing touch in Bordeaux chocolates is the use of chocolate sprinkles. They add a lovely textural contrast and a hint of extra chocolate flavor. Sprinkles are usually sprinkled on top of the milk chocolate-coated fudge centers before the chocolate sets.

 

Unique Bordeaux Chocolates

Bordeaux, a region in France famous for its wine, also offers a variety of unique chocolates that are worth exploring. Here are two of the most popular ones to try.

 

Sarments du Médoc

Sarments du Médoc is a delightful chocolate creation that originated in the Bordeaux wine region. These chocolates are thin, twisted sticks that resemble the shape of vine shoots, or “sarments” in French. They are made by first blending high-quality chocolate with a variety of flavors such as orange, mint, or dark chocolate. Then, the mixture is poured and cooled into a unique, elongated shape.

 

Guinettes Bordelaises

Guinettes Bordelaises are delightful confections that consist of two components: cherries soaked in liqueur and a delicious chocolate coating. The cherries are carefully picked, de-stoned, and then immersed in a mixture of Kirsch and Maraschino liqueur for several weeks to achieve the perfect flavor infusion.

Once the cherries have absorbed the rich and fruity flavors of the liqueur, they are enrobed in a quality chocolate shell. The combination of the succulent, liquor-soaked cherry and the smooth chocolate coating creates a delightful burst of flavors when bitten into. Guinettes Bordelaises are often enjoyed as a sweet, indulgent treat after dinner or as a unique gift for chocolate and cherry lovers.

 

Bordeaux Chocolate Shops

Bordeaux is a magnificent destination for foodies with a sweet tooth.

• Cadiot-Badie: Established in 1826, Cadiot-Badie is a historical institution with a passion for chocolate. This shop started out as a confectioner’s shop but has specialized in chocolates since 1900. Located at allées de Tourny, Cadiot-Badie is definitely a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers.
• Darricau: Founded in 1915, Darricau has remained a family-run business offering high-quality chocolates for generations. Their chocolates are expertly crafted, combining traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Don’t miss it when wandering the streets of Bordeaux.
• Maison Larnicol: This chocolate shop is highly recommended by locals for its exquisite selection. Located in the Hôtel de Ville – Quinconces area, you’ll find a wide variety of chocolates, pastries, and candies.
• Hasnaâ Chocolats Grands Crus: Started by chocolatier Hasnaâ Ferreira, the shop opened its doors in 2014. Situated at 145 Rue Fondaudège, this rising star offers an assortment of artisanal chocolates made from high-quality cocoa beans. She also participated in the French version of MasterChef.

 

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in Bordeaux chocolate?

Bordeaux chocolate is a decadent treat made with a few key ingredients. The main ingredients include brown sugar, butter, whipping cream, and chocolate. In some recipes, additional flavors like instant coffee or a pinch of salt may be added to enhance the taste.

 

Is there a difference between milk and dark Bordeaux chocolate?

The main difference between milk and dark Bordeaux chocolate lies in the chocolate coating. Milk Bordeaux chocolate uses a milk chocolate coating, whereas dark Bordeaux chocolate uses a rich dark chocolate coating. Both versions typically share the same creamy brown sugar center, making the chocolate type a matter of personal preference.

 

How many calories are in a milk chocolate Bordeaux?

The calorie count will vary depending on the specific recipe and the size of the piece. On average, you can expect a single milk chocolate Bordeaux to have approximately 90-110 calories.

 

What is the special flavor characteristic of Bordeaux chocolate?

The unique flavor of Bordeaux chocolate comes from its rich, creamy brown sugar center. This provides a delightful contrast to the chocolate coating, creating a sweet and indulgent experience for your taste buds. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and cream creates a distinct taste and velvety texture that sets it apart from other chocolate treats.

 

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