Producer: Ashok Patre Farm: Ratnagiri Estate Location: Chikmagalur, Karnataka Variety: Catuai Process: CM Intenso Natural Altitude: 1,340 masl Fermentation ▪▪▪▪▫ Sweetness ▪▪▪▫▫ Acidity ▪▪▪▫▫ Roast ▪▪▪▫▫ The Patre family has been farming coffee for three generations, with Ashok Patre, the current owner of Ratnagiri Estate, inheriting the passion and dedication from his grandparents. The estate, established in the 1920s in the Western Ghats of India, initially grew pepper before diversifying into coffee. Over the years, Ratnagiri Estate has embraced innovation, experimenting with various processing methods like honey and anaerobic processes, and has seen success in competitions, with their coffees being used to win national barista championships. Ratnagiri Estate is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The farm is shade-grown beneath a canopy of silver oak trees, giving it the name "Pearl Mountain." It is certified by Rainforest Alliance and boasts rich biodiversity, with multiple stories of shade and freshwater streams. Ashok Patre places a strong emphasis on meticulous farming practices, from cultivation to post-harvest processing, ensuring the distinct profiles of their specialty coffees. Beyond quality, Ratnagiri Estate is also dedicated to the well-being of its community. They support local primary schools, provide free healthcare to their workers, and offer higher wages. They also promote education and savings among their employees, demonstrating a holistic approach to business. The Catuai variety, a hybrid known for its productivity and good cup quality, thrives in Ratnagiri's terroir. This specific micro-lot underwent a 72-hour yeast-fermented natural process. Cherries were handpicked at peak ripeness (25.2 Brix), followed by flotation, sorting, and fermentation with a specific yeast strain in a carbon dioxide-rich environment. The coffee was then slow-dried on raised beds for 26 days. This process results in a Catuai with a syrupy, chocolatey character, low acidity, and a silky-sweet finish, making it versatile for espresso, milk-based drinks, and filter coffee.