To
the top.
To
the top.
William McAlpin has guided the growth of the farm with a focused, unerring, and at times singular, vision since 1978. During what soon will be his twentieth year at its helm, "La Minita has debunked its skeptics to earn a place among the finest coffee producing estates in the world. An imposing figure, McAlpin is tireless in his endless pursuit of educating his customers (specialty coffee roasters) and the coffee-consuming public. He is constantly touring the farm with customers, discussing everything from planting techniques to the optimum ways of harvesting, pruning and processing.
The unwavering climate and the steadfast, hardworking nature of the Costa Ricans are an appealing combination for any serious coffee producer. But it was the richness of the land, the promise of its golden harvest; that first drew the McAlpin family to Costa Rica in the mid-1950´s to test out their coffee-growing fortunes.
The soil is considered gold for it brings forth the most precious of Costa Rican commodities-the ripe coffee berry. The name, La Minita, means "small (gold) mine" and can be traced to local legend that tells of pre-Colombian Indians searching for ornamental gold in the plantation soils.
This moderate climate, owed to the high altitude (5,000 feet above sea-level),creates the perfect, balanced coffee-growing environment. A faultless balance also exists between those who work the land and the land itself. There is a deep respect for the land here, pure and simple. It is inherent to the people of La Minita and the surrounding, family-owned coffee farms.
La MINITA TARRAZU
It is early January in Costa Rica, and one of the busiest periods on the farm. The pickers are in their annual race against the on coming rainy season, which drenches the rich soil beginning in late March. Although nearly 80 º F in this heat of dry season; there is a cool, steady breeze. The temperature rarely gets hotter, and never dips too far below 50 º F at any time during the year.
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Against the impressive backdrop of Poas (the world's largest volcanic crater), this garden- like estate has been lovingly farmed by the same family for four generations. The Vargas family has struck the perfect balance between tradition and technological progress. With the dedication of the Vargas family and Doka's rich volcanic soil and cool nights the result is the absolute best coffee. Deep aroma and complex flavor make this stand out as one of the top plantation coffees of Costa Rica.
COSTA RICAN DOKA $11.95 / LB.
La MINITA, TRES RIOS & COSTA RICA DOKA (VARGAS FAMILY)
Copyright © 1988-
