Argencove

Argencove - Apoyo, 70%

50 g Fine Dark Chocolate
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Regular price $16.65 USD
Sale price $16.65 USD Regular price

Ranked in the Top 100 Chocolates in the World.

Origin & Craftsmanship
This bar comes from Argencove, an artisanal chocolate maker focused on showcasing Nicaraguan cacao terroir. Apoyo 70% is crafted using beans from the fertile volcanic soils around Laguna de Apoyo, a renowned cacao-growing region near Granada, Nicaragua. Argencove emphasizes a true bean-to-bar approach — careful local fermentation, gentle roasting, and thoughtful refinement — to capture the nuances of its origin.

Flavor Profile
At 70% cacao, this chocolate balances boldness with balance. You’ll notice bright red berry and stone fruit notes on the palate, supported by warm brown sugar and toasted cocoa undertones. Mild spice and a smooth finish make the experience layered without harshness, revealing complexity that develops with each moment on the palate.

Tasting & Pairing Guide

Let a piece slowly melt in your mouth so the fruity notes rise first, followed by cocoa warmth and subtle toasty nuances.
Pair this bar with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Garnacha to echo the fruity and cocoa interplay. For a non-alcoholic option, a floral oolong tea or a light roasted black coffee complements its layered profile. Textural pairings like lightly salted almonds or dried cherries amplify both flavour and mouthfeel.

Summary

The Apoyo 70% bar from Argencove is a refined, terroir-driven chocolate that harmonizes fruit brightness with rich cocoa depth. Ideal for fans of expressive, origin-inspired dark chocolate, it delivers both balance and complexity in every bite.

Vegan, Dairy-free

Argencove Chocolate: A Journey from Tree to BarI

In the lush landscapes of Nicaragua, a unique chocolate-making venture has taken root. Argencove Chocolate, founded by three Australian families, is not just a confectionery brand; it's a testament to passion, sustainability, and community engagement.The Genesis of a Chocolate DreamThe Argencove story began with a group of friends united by their fascination with great food. Their curiosity about luxury chocolate led them on a global odyssey, spanning 20 countries. This journey of taste and discovery culminated in Nicaragua, where they found the perfect blend of fertile soil, favorable climate, and welcoming locals to establish their cocoa plantation and chocolate factory.

From Orchard to Bar: A Sustainable Approach

Argencove's philosophy is deeply rooted in agroforestry and sustainability. Their orchard, nestled between the Mombacho Volcano and Lake Nicaragua, is a carefully designed ecosystem. The company believes that a balanced environment yields the best cacao, employing an agroforestry process that includes shade species for nitrogen fixation.
The journey from bean to bar at Argencove is meticulous:Harvesting: Ripe cacao pods are harvested from October to July.Grading: Beans are carefully graded for quality.Fermenting: A crucial step that determines the final flavor profile.Drying: Sun-drying is done gently to complete the fermentation process.Warehousing: Strict traceability is maintained for consistency in flavor profiles.
The factory process is equally detailed, involving sorting, roasting, winnowing, grinding, tempering, and molding. Each step is carefully controlled to ensure the highest quality chocolate.

Community Engagement and EducationArgencove's commitment extends beyond chocolate-making. In 2018, they launched the "Budding Minds" school garden program, teaching children how to propagate and grow plants. This initiative has been warmly received, with Granada International School's director, Lauren White, praising its impact on students' learning and environmental awareness.

The company also supports employee development through certified educational training programs, empowering local workers with additional skills and opportunities.

A Taste of Excellence

Argencove's dedication to quality and sustainability has resulted in award-winning artisanal chocolate. Their unique approach to chocolate-making, from carefully selecting cacao genetics to their innovative packaging design inspired by Granada's Spanish colonial tiles, sets them apart in the world of luxury chocolates.

Looking Forward

With their motto "LEARN. PROPAGATE. PLANT. GROW. EAT.", Argencove Chocolate continues to strive for excellence while nurturing their local environment and community. They believe that creating a little delight with each bite of chocolate can go hand in hand with improving the world, one day at a time.

As Argencove grows, it remains committed to its core values of sustainability, community involvement, and culinary excellence, promising a sweet future for chocolate lovers and the people of Nicaragua alike.

Cacao, cane sugar.

Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and strong odors. Store at maximum
18 ° C in its original packaging

Our chocolate makers proudly refrain from using any artificial stabilizers or preservatives in their products, making their creations more temperature-sensitive compared to other premium chocolates.

To ensure the optimal taste experience, it's advisable to store our chocolates in a cool, dry place where the temperature hovers between 16°C and 18°C. Please refrain from refrigerating our chocolates, as this may cause sugar crystallization due to increased humidity, altering their texture and flavor.

On the contrary, if stored in excessively high temperatures, cocoa butter may separate and form a white film on the chocolate's surface. This loss of cocoa butter can lead to the chocolate drying out and, consequently, a potential alteration in flavor. Your mindful storage practices will help preserve the integrity of our delectable chocolates.