Chocolates the size and shape of a cork, with a ganache made from marc and fine champagne. The most gourmands may have recognized it, it is indeed the “gros cork of Igny”. “It’s our specialty, that’s how we became known,” adds Sister Joëlle, head of the chocolate factory at Val d’Igny Abbey, in Marne.
For more than fifty years, its community has specialized in the production of the sweet flavor most prized by the French. “In the 1960s, our cheese was also very well known but we no longer make it,” explains the nun, who today shares the premises with 36 other nuns – ten of whom are currently busy producing and packaging the famous chocolates. . The period is essential. Especially since this year, an exceptional online sale was launched in order to finance some renovations within the immense building. A roof precisely.
“It’s leaking everywhere”
“The abbey dates from the 12th century but was completely destroyed during the First World War (1914-1918). Then it was rebuilt in 1929. The roof we are talking about is original and protects a long passage which allows us to go to the chocolate factory. There have been small repairs but it is leaking everywhere,” explains the Cistercian nun, estimating the cost of the work at “more than 100,000 euros, perhaps up to 130,000”. All with the installation of photovoltaic panels which will also make it possible to slightly reduce the electricity bill for the approximately 6,500 m² inhabited area.
Led by “Divine Box”, which usually offers subscriptions to a gourmet box filled with monastic products, the operation could raise “perhaps 40,000 euros”. For this, 250 kg of chocolates must be sold. Of all kinds: from traditional corks, which come in two sizes, to more classic assortments in boxes or boxes, small subjects, etc. “We make them from A to Z, starting from chocolate that we buy in 5 kg blocks. We really specialize in ganaches,” adds Sister Joëlle, satisfied with the first days of the sale. Launched on Sunday, it had already sold nearly 110 kg this Tuesday.
“We will pray for you,” she concludes to the buyers. How to be forgiven for some future excesses during the holidays?