CoopeDota, a cooperative of coffee-producers, was established in 1960 with 96 farms. Such has been its success that today it represents over 1100 coffee-producing families from the Tarrazu coffee region. Not only that but it holds the distinction of being the first coffee cooperative in the world to be certified carbon neutral, back in 2011.
THE JOY OF LIFE IN EVERY CUP
CoopeDota is based in beautiful Santa Maria de Dota, one of a series of towns named after Catholic saints following colonisation by the Spanish. Here the people live up to the Costa Rican motto of ‘pura vida’, meaning pure life.
HIGHER ALTITUDE, GREATER COMPLEXITY
The coffee we have selected—only available for a strictly limited period—typifies the Tarrazu terroir where coffee plants grow in the shade of trees, including many fruit trees such as avocado, apple and plum, up to altitudes just over 2000 metres.
Why does altitude matter? Because cooler temperatures at higher elevations slow the growth of coffee cherries, allowing the beans to develop deeper, more complex sugars and acids that result in bright, fruity flavours.
NATURAL FERMENTATION
After being carefully hand-picked, the coffee cherries are processed using the washed method. Natural fermentation helps break down the remaining mucilage (the sticky layer around the coffee bean) before the beans are washed and dried, helping to create the coffee's bright acidity and fruity character, with notes of roasted pineapple and pear underpinned by nutty tones of almond.
For more on production methods and the difference between washed and natural processed coffees see here.
A REFRESHING COUNTERPOINT
Our single origin coffees are an opportunity to sample unique coffees from the great coffee-growing regions. Every terroir, every season, every farming and processing methodology has an effect on flavour.
Costa Rica single origin offers a complementary style to Classico, our signature blend, which is a classic Italian-style espresso, rich, smooth and full-bodied, unchanged since 1997.
Our recommendation is to try both, to contrast and compare, and see which you prefer. Both coffees are of the highest quality; it’s simply a question of what pleases your palate. The time of day, the weather, your mood, your personality, they can all play a part. Choose the coffee that feels right for you
FULLY TRACEABLE
CoopeDota's approach to sustainability is part of what makes this coffee special. Costa Rica is at the forefront of sustainable coffee production, and CoopeDota is a great example of this.
Since achieving carbon neutral certification in 2011, CoopeDota has been a pioneer in sustainability. One of their goals is to become carbon positive and they have set out clear goals that include reducing waste, ensuring full traceability from farm to cup, and improving the quality of life of every person involved in production.
We can all drink to that.
THE FACTS
Producer: CoopeDota, Tarrazu
Production system: Shade grown.
Process: Washed; natural fermentation.
Varietals: Caturra, Catuai.
Altitude: 1500 to 2060m
Harvest: Selective hand picking
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