When it comes to Italian chocolate, there is, perhaps, no treat more Italian than Gianduiotto chocolates.
From the Piedmont region of Italy, this beloved chocolate is as rich in history, tradition, and luxury as it is in taste, and the source of wonder and delight for chocolate lovers for more than a century and a half. With a storied past, gourmet ingredients, and old-world making methods, it is no wonder the Gianduiotto is still considered a time-honored classic in the world of chocolates.
The Origins of Gianduiotto: A Sweet Legacy
The story of the Gianduiotto chocolate goes back to the nineteenth century. In the Italian city of Turin, in the region of Piedmont, still considered one of the chocolate capitals of the world, a shortage in the supply of cocoa sent shock waves through the local chocolate-making community. Because of this, they looked for a simple and delicious alternative.Â
Given that the region was a haven of hazelnuts, a delicious crop in its own right, they thought, why not combine the two, using the nuts to supplement the cocoa? To that end, chocolate producers started to blend ground-down hazelnuts with the chocolate, along with the sugar and a hint of vanilla, and what was born was a new kind of chocolate, one that was less grainy, more luxurious, and more affordable.Â
Not only did the combination of the two main ingredients revolutionize how chocolate was made, but it also gave way to the name of this new chocolate treat: Gianduiotto, inspired by the Piedmont jovial character called Gianduja. This was a drinking and laughing man with an unquenchable thirst for good times, good friends, and food.
The Ingredients: A Perfect Blend of Hazelnuts and Cocoa
At the heart of every Gianduiotto chocolate is a rich and well-blended mixture of premium cocoa and top-of-the-line hazelnuts. The nuts from the Piedmont region—easily some of the best in the world—have a nutty flavor profile, slightly sweet, and utterly rich. They are roasted and ground into a smooth paste that makes the end product silky on the tongue.Â
The cocoa is second to none, usually sourced from South America. It adds a note of decadence to the chocolate, making it smooth, subtle, and ever so slightly bitter but sweet in a well-balanced finish. Truly, Gianduiotto chocolates are the best way to reward yourself after a long day or week of work.
The Art of Artisanal Chocolate Making
What makes Gianduiotto different from regular candy bars is that it’s a delicacy made by hand by expert chocolatiers. Making a Gianduiotto by hand is a specialized craftsmanship, one that must be handled with precision and care at every stage. Initially, the hazelnuts are roasted to a sweetness, then crushed into a fine paste. This paste is blended with fine cocoa, sugar, and other ingredients to give it the silky finish that defines this unique chocolate.
After the blend is created, it is poured into molds and allowed to cool. The characteristic shape of the Gianduiotto—a small oblong flat-bottom boat—is a testament to the handmade dedication with which it is crafted. The careful molding of the candies means each distinct piece is delivered with the signature texture and form. Then, the candies are wrapped and ready to eat. The magic is in the painstaking detail that goes into its creation.
Why Gianduiotto Is a Must-Try for Chocolate Lovers
If you consider yourself a true lover of chocolate in all its variants, you need to take a bite of a Gianduiotto. Its texture is the epitome of indulgence, a blend of the perfect amount of chocolate and hazelnuts. Taking a bite of a Gianduiotto tells you this isn’t just a candy or a treat; it is so much more. As a throwback to the Piedmont region, the Gianduiotto is a part of Italy’s legacy. Chewing on a piece of Italian cultural history is pretty awesome, and catching a glimpse of how it is made gives you the experience of a slight decadence and something you have never tasted before.
A Deliciously Irresistible Experience
While there are strong reasons for the secret of Gianduiotto chocolates to remain hidden, revealing its beauty allows you to enjoy this little slice of exotic Italian culture. To do that, you’ll need to travel to the comfy lands of Piedmont and wander the chocolate paradise of Turin. Gianduiotto is a wonderful treasure you can enjoy anywhere you go.
Want to treat yourself to a branded taste of Gianduiotto in your city or gift it to someone special? It is within reach. What’s more beautiful than these chocolates, even when compared to other gift ideas? Don’t wait too long to please your loved one, friend, or colleague with these chocolates and help others taste and appreciate this iconic Italian chocolate.