Montalvo - Ecuador
Our Story
La Vitalia
Our journey with chocolate begins in the lush lands of Montalvo, Ecuador, where our family has been cultivating cacao for generations. It all started with my great-grandfather, who owned thousands of acres of rich, fertile land in this region, known for producing some of the finest cacao in the world. After his passing, we inherited this legacy, continuing his tradition of excellence.
Montalvo is renowned for its perfect climate, which creates ideal conditions for growing Arriba Nacional, widely regarded as the finest cacao on earth. From these exceptional beans, we craft our artisanal chocolate bars, staying true to the rich heritage and uncompromising quality passed down through the generations.
Our signature 60% cacao chocolate bar is made from the finest Arriba cacao harvested from our family farms. Whether you're enjoying it as a regular chocolate bar or using it to make a delicious hot chocolate, each bite delivers the unique flavor and quality of Ecuadorian cacao.
At the heart of everything we do is a passion for creating the finest chocolate bars. From the careful cultivation of our cacao to the artisanal process we follow, we are dedicated to producing chocolate that honors our roots and delights your senses.
The Oldest Cacao Bean:
Ancestral Arriba Nacional
Did you know that the oldest cacao beans ever discovered were found in Ecuador?
Archaeological evidence shows that cacao was first cultivated in the Amazon region of Ecuador over 5,000 years ago. This discovery places Ecuador at the heart of the world’s cacao origins, making our cacao not just any cacao, but truly ancestral.
Our Arriba Nacional cacao carries this ancient heritage, connecting every bar of chocolate we make to the rich history of cacao cultivation. Often referred to as the “mother of all cacao,” Arriba Nacional is one of the oldest and most esteemed cacao varieties, renowned for its complex flavor profile and its deep cultural significance.
At La Vitalia, our chocolate is made from the finest Arriba Nacional, a variety of the renowned Cacao Nacional, celebrated globally for its superior quality and rich flavor. Arriba Nacional is native to the lush regions of Ecuador, where the unique combination of climate, soil, and altitude creates the perfect environment for cultivating this exceptional bean.
What sets Arriba Nacional apart is its distinctive flavor profile. Known for its floral aroma and complex taste, this bean offers a rich, smooth chocolate experience with delicate notes of fruit, nuts, and even floral undertones. The intricate balance of these flavors makes Arriba cacao a favorite among chocolate connoisseurs around the world.
When you taste our chocolate, you’re not just enjoying a delicious treat—you’re experiencing the flavors of an ancient tradition, passed down through generations. Our cacao comes from the same Ecuadorian soil that nurtured the world’s earliest cacao plants, making it a truly ancestral Arriba Nacional cacao, deeply rooted in history.
Why is Arriba Nacional considered the finest?
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Heritage: Arriba cacao has a deep-rooted history in Ecuador. It's often referred to as the "fine aroma" cacao, a classification reserved for only the highest quality cacao in the world. Our farms continue this tradition, preserving the authenticity and purity of the cacao through sustainable farming practices.
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Flavor Complexity: Unlike mass-produced beans, Arriba cacao is prized for its nuanced flavors. It’s not just chocolate—it’s an experience, offering layers of taste that evolve with each bite, from fruity hints to rich cocoa depth.
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Purity and Sustainability: Our beans are grown using traditional methods passed down through generations. We believe in sustainable farming, ensuring that the land remains as fertile for future generations as it was for our ancestors. Each harvest is carefully tended to, ensuring the highest standards of quality are met.
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Single-Origin: We use single-origin Arriba cacao, meaning all the beans come from our farms in Montalvo, Ecuador. This guarantees not only the integrity of the flavor but also traceability, allowing us to offer an authentic, unadulterated chocolate experience.
When you savor a bar of our 60% dark chocolate, you’re not just enjoying any chocolate—you’re tasting the essence of Ecuador’s finest Arriba cacao, lovingly grown and crafted into a product that reflects the passion and dedication of our family.
"Arriba Nacional is Ecuador’s treasure. It’s a cacao that carries not just flavor but the essence of our land and culture"
– Santiago Peralta
Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate with Our 60% Dark Chocolate Bar
Experience the true essence of Ecuador with our Special Hot Chocolate Recipe, passed down through generations and crafted to perfection. Our 60% Dark Chocolate Bar, made from the finest Arriba Nacional, is the key to creating a rich and indulgent cup of hot chocolate. With its smooth texture and subtle hints of fruit and floral notes, it melts beautifully, giving you a luxurious, creamy drink that captures the heart of Ecuadorian tradition.
Whether you're cozying up on a chilly evening or sharing a special moment with loved ones, our chocolate bar elevates every sip. Follow our family recipe below and treat yourself to the ultimate hot chocolate experience—one that’s been cherished by families in Ecuador for decades.
La VITALIA Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 cubes of our 60% dark chocolate bar
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1 liter of whole milk or vegetarian milk
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1 cup of water (250ml)
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Optional spices: cinnamon or cloves
Preparation:
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Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add optional spices for extra flavor.
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Strain the flavored water to remove the spices.
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Melt the cubes of chocolate in the flavored water, stirring gently until smooth.
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Bring 1 liter of milk to a boil.
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Mix the melted chocolate with the boiled milk.
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Beat the mixture until it’s smooth, homogeneous, and deliciously foamy.
