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Alba – Catuaí

Microlot

El Aguacate, West Valley, Costa Rica – Natural Catuaí

– “A precisely produced and meticulously processed microlot of a traditional Costa Rican varietal by the Acuña family”.

What to expect in the cup

Concord grape, papaya, violet. A sweet and ripe cup with juicy grapes acidity, layered tropical depth like seeded papaya, and purple florals in the aroma and finish.

£14.00£56.00

Alba is a naturally processed microlot from Marespi in Costa Rica’s Brunca region, grown at approximately 1,890 m above sea level on rich volcanic soils in the shadow of Cerro Chirripó. The lot comprises Catuaí, a varietal originally developed in Brazil but which, over recent decades, has become a long-established and much-loved cultivar in Costa Rica for its balance of quality, adaptability, and expressive cup potential. After selective hand-picking, whole ripe cherries were density-sorted and dried naturally on raised beds for around twenty-two days, with regular turning and close moisture monitoring. This patient approach allows sweetness and clarity to develop while preserving the vibrant character of the lot. In the cup, Alba is sweet and ripe, with notes of concord grape, papaya, and violet—juicy grape acidity, layered tropical depth reminiscent of seeded papaya, and gentle purple florals on the aroma and finish. We’re thrilled to introduce Alba at Sweven for the first time, showcasing the clarity, vibrancy, and composure that emerge when a traditional varietal meets meticulous natural processing.
Alba comes to us from Marespi, a vertically integrated, third-generation coffee enterprise led by the Acuña family in Costa Rica. With full oversight from cultivation through wet and dry-milling to direct export, Marespi’s approach centres on traceability, precision, and long-term quality. Coffee for this lot is grown on the family’s El Aguacate farm at 1,890 metres above sea level, where volcanic soils, consistent mountain rainfall, and the cooling influence of nearby Cerro Chirripó shape a profile of clarity and balance. Alongside their own production, Marespi works closely with long-standing farming partners, many of whom have collaborated with the family for decades—relationships built on trust, shared knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Sustainability and innovation sit at the heart of Marespi’s work. Chemical inputs are carefully reduced, biodiversity is actively protected, and processing methods are continually refined to both conserve water and elevate cup quality. Natural and honey processes in particular have become a focus, allowing varietal character and terroir to speak with greater transparency. This natural lot is composed primarily of Catuaí, a long-established Costa Rican varietal valued for its adaptability at elevation and its quietly expressive cup profile when handled with care. We’re thrilled to be sharing Alba for the first time at Sweven. Its precision, vibrancy, and composure in the cup reflect the depth of experience behind Marespi’s work and make this a particularly exciting introduction to the Acuña family’s coffees.