CMI

Peru - Rodriguez de Mendoza

Dhs. 130.00
or 4 payments of Dhs. 17.50 AED . No interest, no fees. Learn more
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Process: Fully Washed

Variety: Bourbon, Catimor, Catuai, Pache, Typica

Producer: Various

Flavor note: Apple, Chocolate, Caramel, Plum, Walnuts

Altitude: 1400 - 1800 MASL

Roasted for: Espresso


In the heart of the Peruvian highlands, where the air is infused with the sweet scent of ripening coffee cherries, Café Monteverde stands as a beacon of community and quality. Nestled between 1,400 to 1,800 meters above sea level in Rodriguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, this producer group unites 250 farmers, each contributing their craft to create a coffee that resonates with the spirit of the region.

The story of Café Monteverde is one of passion, commitment, and a shared vision for uplifting the community. Founded by the husband-wife duo, Alfonso Tejada and Karen Araoz, the roots of this venture trace back to their hometown of Rodriguez de Mendoza. Having previously owned a travel agency in Lima, the couple returned to their roots, purchasing Finca Timbuyacu and establishing Café Monteverde in 2003.

Finca Timbuyacu is not just a farm; it's a model of excellence and a classroom for the 250 farmers associated with Café Monteverde. Alfonso and Karen envisioned their venture as a means to improve the social conditions of small producers in the region, offering not only a market for their coffee but also a place to learn and grow. The farm became a foundation for teaching valuable skills in growing and processing, elevating the quality of production across the community.

The Monteverde lot, a testament to the collective effort of the 250 farmers, draws inspiration from the diverse varietals—Bourbon, Catimor, Catuai, Pache, Typica—that flourish in the fertile soil of Rodriguez de Mendoza. Carefully screened and selected for cup quality, each addition to the lot represents the sugary, fruit-forward profile that defines the region, reminiscent of berry syrup.

The commitment to quality extends beyond the cup; Café Monteverde takes an active role in the well-being of the community. From initiatives like soil management and conservation efforts to purchasing playgrounds and mattresses for local children, Alfonso and Karen embody the spirit of giving back.

The journey of coffee at Café Monteverde begins with each farmer meticulously handpicking only the ripest cherries. The cherry is then pulped, fermented, and washed with clean water to remove any remaining mucilage. The drying process is as diverse as the varietals, taking place on cement pads, trays, pallets, solar tents, or roofs, with each parchment dried to a precise 12% moisture level.

As the farmers pack their parchment in polypropylene bags, the culmination of their efforts is transported to the collection center, where each lot undergoes a meticulous evaluation. Beans are scrutinized for defects, quality, color, moisture content, and more. Only once accepted are the beans milled and prepared for export.

In each bag of Café Monteverde coffee, one finds not just the notes of apple, chocolate, caramel, plum, and walnuts, but a story of resilience, community, and the pursuit of excellence. It's a tribute to the vision of Alfonso and Karen, the dedication of the 250 farmers, and the vibrant tapestry of Rodriguez de Mendoza—a story that continues to unfold in every sip, connecting coffee lovers to the heart of the Peruvian highlands.