Lote Valeria Washed

This juicy light roast opens with aromas of clementine and sugar cookie. Notes of navel orange, cocoa powder, and red grape accompany limeade acidity in the cup, with lingering aftertastes of macadamia, grapefruit, and cardamom.

Details

Producer: Armando Benavides Portilla Farm: Finca Santa Maria Region: Nariño Altitude: 1,850 masl Varietal: Caturra Process: Washed Roast: Light Notes: Red Grape, Cocoa Powder, Limeade

The Story

Growing conditions at Finca Santa Maria in Nariño are unique, with long hours of sunlight and hot springs allowing the coffee trees to grow at higher, colder altitudes approaching 1,900 masl. This results in a coffee we have always valued for its great level of sweetness and acidity.

Lote Valeria, named after Armando's daughter, consists of Caturra from various plots at the farm.

Direct Trade

Finca Santa Maria's original owners set goals with clear technical concepts on how to grow their Caturra variety to produce the best results. They took steps to make their farm environmentally sound, incorporating a shade canopy to maintain a natural balance between flora and fauna. Sustainable farming techniques and soil conservation initiatives have produced amazing results since Armando Benavides Portilla took ownership of the farm in the 1990s.

Since 2020, Armando has shifted processing to his friend Huber Castillo's wet mill at Finca El Paseo, where Huber has produced consistent lots and had great success with processing experiments. After being washed, the coffee is transported to Armando’s home in nearby Buesaco. While it’s unusual to see coffee dried away from the farm or wet mill, drying the coffee at Armando’s primary residence means he can keep a watchful eye on progress and make adjustments at a moment's notice. If humidity rises dramatically, or an unexpected storm occurs, the drying rooms can be closed to prevent fluctuations in the process.

Produced by Armando Benavides Portilla in the Nariño region of Colombia · Nariño, Lote Valeria Washed represents a classic expression of the Caturra varietal. This lot is processed using the washed method, a technique often favored for highlighting the inherent acidity and clean profile of the bean. When evaluating such coffees, enthusiasts often look for the balance between bright, citrus-forward acidity and deeper, structural sweetness.

Roasted by PT's Coffee Roasting, this selection features tasting notes of red grape, cocoa powder, and limeade. These descriptors align with the diverse range of characteristics found on the flavor wheel, illustrating the interplay between fruit-toned brightness and earthy, chocolatey undertones. By focusing on the specific terroir of Nariño and the meticulous preparation of the washed process, this coffee offers a clear, focused cup that showcases the potential of high-elevation cultivation.