While tasting lots from Mexico to consider for this year, we were all blown away by this microlot grown by Marcelino on his small farm in Chiapas. Truth be told, we all thought the coffee was a natural process since its apricot and cranberry notes were so prevalent. But the fact it is a washed coffee also explains how clean and smooth the cup is. Enjoy this seasonal coffee while it lasts!
Origin: México
Region: Chiapas
Producer: Marcelino De La Cruz Martinez
Process: Washed
We Taste: Dried apricot, pomegranate, candied ginger; malty
Marcelino de la Cruz Martinez lives near Nuevo Leon in the Teopsica region of Chiapas — which borders Guatemala on the southern border of Mexico. He grows Bourbon variety Arabica coffee on his farm, La Rinconada, which sits at an elevation of 1,323 meters above sea level.
Marcelino does 3 selective picking harvests each year. After depulping, he ferments "wet parchment" (green coffee beans that still have a protective layer of thin, papery parchment) for 24 hours in a tank, then spreads the beans out on the roof of his building to dry for 5 days. He moves the parchment every 3 hours so that it dries evenly.
Chiapas, located in southern Mexico, is a region celebrated for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Its mountainous terrain, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 meters, provides the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality coffee. The combination of fertile volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and varying microclimates allows Chiapas to produce coffees with distinctive flavor profiles, often characterized by bright acidity, fruity notes, and a smooth body.
The coffee tradition in Chiapas is deeply rooted in the lives of its indigenous communities, who have been farming the land for generations. These smallholder farmers are committed to sustainable practices, preserving both the environment and their cultural legacy. Chiapas coffee is not just a product; it’s a reflection of the region’s natural beauty and the dedication of its people to crafting exceptional coffee.
