Colombia Finca Santuario Citrus Sweetness

ROSSO RESERVE: A new series of small batch, high-end Single Origin coffees.

THE FACTS

• Country: Colombia

• Region: Totoró, Cauca

• Varietal: Red Bourbon

• Process: Citrus Sweetness

• Altitude: 1850-2050 MASL

TASTING NOTES:

• Lemon, lime, pear

BACKGROUND:

Finca Santuario, established in 2000 by Camilo Merizalde, stands out in the Cauca Department near Popayán, Colombia. Nestled on the Popayán Plateau at altitudes between 1,850 and 2,100 meters, the farm enjoys a climate characterized by significant temperature variations and ample rainfall, all contributing to its fertile volcanic soils. These conditions are perfect for cultivating distinct coffee varieties such as the Red Bourbon in this coffee, as well as Yellow Bourbon, Typica, and Gesha.

The farm is not just about coffee; it’s about sustainable practices that enhance biodiversity, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the coffee plants and their natural environment. Such practices enable the growth of delicate, high-quality coffee varieties that are typically low yielding but exceptionally flavorful. Innovative processing techniques at Finca Santuario, including the unique Citrus Sweetness method involving soaking, aerobic fermentation, and carbonic maceration, have helped produce coffees with award-winning flavor profiles. These methods, including the use of Mossto—a concentrate of crushed cherry pulp—enhance the microbial activity during fermentation, adding a distinct sweetness and complexity to the coffee. This meticulous attention to processing details contributed to the farm’s recognition on the world stage when Sasa Sestic won the 2015 World Barista Championship using one of its coffees.

Finca Santuario exemplifies the harmony between agricultural practice and environmental stewardship, making each cup a testament to the farm’s commitment to quality and sustainability.