In the mid-20th century, Colombian coffee was largely cultivated by producers on small plots where artisanal farming techniques were passed from generation to generation. Today, modern developments in cultivation practices are shared via a local network of coffee cooperatives. In the foothills of Southern Colombia’s Huila department, coffee farms like Finca San Antonio enjoy unique soil compositions and favourable micro-climates. This is thanks to the region’s towering chain of volcanoes, known as Nevado del Huila.

Fernando Alvarez Martinez is the owner of Finca San Antonio which is located in the village of Vueltas Arriba, outside Gigante. Rising 1,500 metres above sea level, Fernando’s 3.5 hectare farm comprises approximately 14,000 Supremo, and Castillo variety Arabica trees. Unlike Castillo, Supremo is actually a grading classification whereby Bourbon, Caturra and Typica variety cherries are grown and screened for size and uniformity. When compared with smaller or mixed-size lots, the uniformity of Supremo beans results in a dependable quality. Fernando and his team fully-wash the ripe cherries before they are sorted via concrete flotation tanks. Afterwards, this Supremo lot underwent a 36-hour, submerged fermentation.

Phaedon's tasting notes

Rosetta Roastery may be a cutting-edge, progressively minded roasting business, but it actually has something for every kind of coffee lover. Our friends in Claremont never forget the classic palates when they're ordering their green. This season, San Antonio is the coffee for those who want a more traditional flavour profile. Sweet, full-bodied and restrained, this coffee will be easy to enjoy in espresso and espresso-like brews.

Rosetta’s notes

Style: Classic
Flavour: Crisp & bright, green apple, brown sugar

“This Colombian lot is made up of various varieties, with the Supremo classification reflecting the bean size and grade rather than a single variety. These larger, dense beans, uniform in size, allow for more consistent roasting, producing a coffee that has controlled caramelisation and minimal bitterness. We start with a medium charge to allow for ample soak time during the ramp, followed by a controlled decrease in the rate of rise to preserve clarity. The washed processing accentuates brightness, resulting in a profile with balanced structure, ideal for milk-based beverages.”

Coffee details from Rosetta

“This microlot comes from Finca San Antonio in Gigante, Huila, produced by first-generation coffee grower Fernando Alvarez Martínez. Fernando’s journey into coffee began with a simple goal: securing land and a stable home for his family. Through years of saving, a small loan, and relentless work alongside his wife, he purchased a home in 1998. Shortly after, he seized the opportunity to acquire an abandoned coffee farm, trading it for the house despite still owing part of its value.

Building Finca San Antonio required persistence and sacrifice. Fernando worked long hours both on his own land and neighbouring farms to afford fertilisers and improve his coffee’s quality. Today, that dedication is evident in the cup. Careful hand-picking and washed processing showcase the region’s cool climate and volcanic soils, delivering a clean, structured profile with juicy sweetness, balanced acidity, and refined clarity.”

• Altitude: 1500m ASL
• Processing: Washed
• Variety: Supremo (Various)
• Harvest: 2025
• Region: Vueltas Arriba, Gigante, Huila
• Country: Colombia
• Producer: Fernando Alvarez Martinez of Finca San Antonio