Tokyo (SCCIJ) – For the first time in the history of Lindt and Sprüngli Japan, the Swiss chocolate giant is using the Japanese rare luxury black grape variety “Nagano Purple” as a basic flavor for a chocolate drink. Sales at all Lindt Chocolat Boutiques & Cafes nationwide started on July 15th and will end on September 13th (Tuesday).
Hybrid grape
These high-grade black grapes from Nagano Prefecture, an area famous for its fruit and wine production, have a high sugar content of 18-21%. This hybrid variety between the Kyoho and Rizamarto grapes has the round appearance of Kyoho, but an intense wine-like sour taste. At the same time, the grapes are seedless and can be eaten with the skin, unlike a lot of other Japanese grape varieties.
The “Nagano Purple Chocolat Drink” priced at 780 yen (including tax) uses carefully hand-picked Nagano Purple grapes. For the drink part, whole grapes are freshly blended with Lindt’s white chocolate even though dark chocolate is often thought to be the best partner for wine flavors.
Yogurt espuma is placed on top to create a balanced taste with refreshing acidity while taking advantage of the rich aroma and strong sweetness of Nagano Purple grapes. Topped with cool-looking crushed jelly and white chocolate, customers can enjoy the difference in texture. Besides, Lindt Japan has also used Nagano Purple to create special macarons for about 300 yen with chocolate and grape ganache as the middle layer which accompanies and matches the seasonal chocolate drink.
Melting chocolate straw
Following the expiration of this seasonal offer, Lindt boutiques and cafés will sell their first drink with a “straw” wholly made of Lindt chocolate instead of plastics. This “Maple Chocolat Drink with Chocolat Straw” available from September 14 is made with carefully selected pure maple syrup from Quebec, Canada, which is rich in color and flavor.
Combined with white chocolate, the drink has a deep, autumnal flavor and a beautiful, art-like appearance. Besides, by drinking the liquid through a “chocolate straw”, you can enjoy the change in flavor and the crispy texture of the chocolate as the drink mixes with the dark chocolate melted in your mouth. This special drink will be sold for 780 yen and available until the end of October.
Text: SCCIJ based on Lindt Japan material