Café Graja La Esperanza [CGLE-17]

Producer Café Granja La Esperanza

Farm Las Margaritas

Country Colombia

Region Valle del Cauca

Altitude 1,570–1,850 m a.s.l.

Variety CGLE-17

Process Washed

CGLE-17

CGLE-17 is an experimental hybrid developed by Café Granja La Esperanza from Caturra and Gesha genetics. The project grew out of the Herrera family's long-running work with varieties at their farms in Valle del Cauca. After Rigoberto Herrera's experience growing Gesha in Panama, the team continued experimenting with how exotic varieties could adapt to Colombian growing conditions.

Development of CGLE-17 began with selected Caturra plants at Potosí in 2011. Early hybrids were planted in 2014, before further selection led to a Caturra-Gesha cross planted in 2017. The aim was not simply cup quality, but to combine some of Gesha's sensory potential with greater adaptability and productivity.

Washed Process

Ripe cherries are selected before an initial fermentation of 18 to 22 hours. The cherries are then depulped and undergo a second fermentation for approximately 24 to 35 hours.

After fermentation, the remaining mucilage is washed away. The coffee is mechanically dried at approximately 38°C before controlled stabilisation and storage. Processing times can vary between individual lots.