What is ‘terroir’?

Terroir, a term borrowed from French viticulture, refers to the unique combination of environmental factors that influence the characteristics of agricultural products, including coffee. In the context of coffee, terroir encompasses elements like climate, altitude, soil composition, and even local farming traditions. Each coffee-growing region in the world offers its distinct terroir, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the flavor profile of the beans. For instance, the high altitudes and volcanic soils of Ethiopia produce bright, floral coffees, while the rich, fertile soils of Colombia can yield something completely different.

In a directly related case with some of our coffees, our single origin coffee Ija’tz is geographically close to some of our other coffees from Finca San Jeronimo Miramar, but the terroir is completely different. This yields a coffee that tastes fundamentally different from that of a coffee within driving distance. 

Understanding terroir helps coffee lovers appreciate how the origin of their cup contributes to its taste, creating a deeper connection to the diverse landscapes and cultures behind every sip.