Montesol (Marsellesa), Nicaragua

About this coffee We continue exploring Finca Montesol through a different variety. Located high on Monte Dominico in Jinotega, Nicaragua, Montesol has belonged to the Rosales Mejía family since 1998. Don Jaime and Doña Ana have developed the estate around a highly precise approach to farming, combining agronomic management, control over processing and a strong social and environmental commitment. The estate covers 149 hectares, with 112 dedicated to coffee production and the remaining land protected to preserve local flora and fauna. Montesol maintains direct control over the different stages from harvesting through drying, following strict standards for ripeness and quality. After returning to the estate this harvest, we wanted to go a little deeper and see how different varieties could express the same place. This time, through Marsellesa. In the cup Marsellesa gives us a particularly sweet and balanced expression of Montesol. Chocolate builds a deep and familiar base, while peach and strawberry bring ripe, juicy fruit. Watermelon adds a fresher and lighter dimension, keeping the cup clear and lively. As espresso, we find more body, chocolate and ripe fruit. As filter, the cup opens up, revealing peach, watermelon and strawberry with greater definition. Two different preparations, with the same underlying sense of balance and sweetness. Why we selected it One of the things we value most about returning to the same farm is the opportunity to experience it from different perspectives. Catuai showed us one expression. Marsellesa shows us another. Here, there is enough structure and sweetness to work beautifully as espresso, while retaining the clarity and fruit we look for in filter. A versatile coffee, but never a generic one.. able to change with the brewing method without losing its identity.