Guatemalan Specialty Coffee | Discovering the Unique Flavours of Finca Santa Leonarda

As connoisseurs of coffee, we at Fratello Coffee understand that not all coffee beans are created equal. Our journey in search of exceptional coffee has led us to the heart of Santa Rosa, Guatemala, where we discovered the unique flavors of Finca Santa Leonarda. This family-owned farm, steeped in over a century of coffee-making tradition, is a testament to the superior quality of Guatemalan specialty coffee.

We're excited to announce that Finca Santa Leonarda is now our producer for our beloved Montecristo single estate offering. Previously, our Montecristo was named after the farm we sourced our beans from. However, due to Roya/Rust damage that required Montecristo to replant their estate with a different varietal, we've evolved and shifted our focus to find new relationships in order to maintain a consistent flavor profile that defines the Montecristo experience. Now, Montecristo is not just a name, but a symbol of Fratello's commitment to delivering a distinctive taste that our customers have come to love. 

Guatemala Specialty Coffee

Finca Santa Leonarda, with its unique blend of four coffee varieties, meticulous cultivation, and sustainable practices, aligns perfectly with the flavor profile our Montecristo Single Estate offering has been known for. The high altitude, fertile volcanic soil, and favorable climate of Santa Rosa, combined with the farm's dedication to quality, result in an exceptional cup of coffee that enhances the Montecristo experience.

We're thrilled to welcome Finca Santa Leonarda into the Fratello family and look forward to sharing the unique flavors of this premium Guatemalan coffee with you. As we continue to evolve, our commitment to quality remains the same. Montecristo is not just a coffee; it's a testament to our journey in the world of specialty coffee.  We hope you read more about this new and exciting relationship below.

Fratello Guatemala Montecristo

Guatemalan Specialty Coffee

For good reason, Guatemalan coffee is often considered as some of the best in the world. Coffee beans from this region have a specific flavour profile that is challenging to replicate elsewhere due to the region's special combination of high altitude, rich soil, and favorable climate.

Notably in the Santa Rosa region, some of the greatest coffee beans in the nation are produced. And now Finca Santa Leonarda, the newest addition to Fratello Coffee's line of premium Guatemalan coffees, is being introduced.

For more than a century, Finca Santa Leonarda has been growing premium coffee in the centre of Santa Rosa. Four generations of coffee producers who have devoted their lives to refining the craft of coffee growing own and run the farm. Their goal is to not only grow the best coffee but also to better the lives of their employees and the neighbourhood.

Catuai Coffee

The coffee grown on Finca Santa Leonarda is a blend of four different varieties: Caturra, Catuai, Pache, and Anacafe14.  These varieties are carefully cultivated and selected for their resistance to common coffee diseases and pests, such as the borer, rust, and rooster's eye.

How does Volcanic Soil help with coffee flavour?

The volcanic soil conditions are one of the major elements that contribute to the remarkable quality of Guatemalan coffee. Many active volcanoes can be found in Guatemala, and their ash and mineral deposits have produced fertile soil that is ideal for growing coffee. The fertile volcanic soil contributes to the production of coffee beans with a varied flavour profile and a recognizable acidity.

High elevation coffee

How does high elevation help with coffee flavour? 

The high altitude of the area, in addition to the volcanic soil, has a big impact on how good Guatemalan coffee is. High altitude coffee plants are subjected to intense sunshine during the day and cooler temperatures at night, which slows the maturation of the coffee beans. This gradual maturing process results incoffee beans with a higher density and more complex flavours.

The coffee grown on Finca Santa Leonarda, which is located at an elevation of 1500 metres, benefits from the ideal combination of altitude, soil, and climate. The beans' flavour and aroma are additionally improved by the thorough washing process used to prepare them at the mill.

Shade Grown Coffee

Environmental practices at Finca Santa Leonarda.

Ingas and Cuje trees are mixed to provide shade on the farm, while cypress barriers are utilised to support the sustainable management of the local flora and fauna. Every cup of Finca Santa Leonarda coffee exhibits this level of care and dedication to sustainability.

The region's favorable environment, with its two distinct seasons of rain and dryness, further improves the quality of the coffee beans.  The rainy season provides the necessary moisture for the coffee plants to thrive, while the dry season allows the coffee cherries to ripen and develop their unique flavours.

Fratello Coffee is thrilled to offer their customers the distinctive and intriguing flavour of this new Fresh Crop of Finca Santa Leonarda. This new addition is certain to please your taste buds and leave you craving more, whether you're a seasoned coffee aficionado or are just beginning to explore the world of specialty coffee.

 

Guatemalan Montecristo - Coffee Buying Trip

We have been buying direct trade coffee since 2013, which means we have years of experience in understanding the best practices in coffee production and purchase. We go to Guatemala once a year to learn more about our producers and their families, to understand their challenges, and to stay up-to-date on their successes

On January 17th my brother’s Jason & Chris joined my self to travel to Guatemala to visit our friend Johann Nottebohm and his wife Holly at their farm Nueva Granada.  Our journey began in Guatemala City when we traveled 7.5 hours by car to the far North West corner of Guatemala which is known as the San Marcos region. 

The drive was long, but beautiful as the landscape of Guatemala is very mountainous and boasts 38 volcano’s which is the most in all of Central America.   When we reached the town of El Rosario and turned off the highway El Rodeo thinking we reached our destination, however, we had 167 more curves & turns in bumpy rock road before reaching the elevation of 4300 feet, the base of Nueva Granada.  This farm has views Volcano Tajumulco the tallest Central American volcano at 14,440 feet, and Volcano Tacana which is half in Mexico.
Coffee Farm

Johann’s is now the 3rd generation coffee farmer in the Nottebohm family.  His great grandfather, originally from Germany, moved to Guatemala in 1894.   Nueva Granda was the 3rd farm in Guatemala to become Rainforest Alliance certified, and their family tradition continues today of striving for better quality, consistency, improving environmental techniques and educating the families that live on their farm.

The pride in this farm is shown on every level.  It starts by watching their team pick only the ripest red cherries.  Every 2 weeks, each tree will have hands sort through their branches choosing the best coffee, for a total of 15 passes per harvest!  Most farms will only have 4 or 5 passes per harvest forcing them to choose over & under ripen cherries each time.

Once picked, cherries are brought immediately to the wet mill located on the farm.  (more…)