Peru Chontali | Starbucks Coffee Varieties | Starbucks Single-Origin Coffee

Peru · Chontali

Many people aren't very optimistic about Peru's specialty coffee, not realizing how hard it has been working to get better.

The Cajamarca province is exactly such a place, producing high-quality coffee. Not long ago we shared Peru · Alirio, which comes from here. Today's subject, Peru · Chontali, also comes from this remarkable province.

Chontali is a small town in the Chunchucas Valley of Cajamarca province. The surrounding land ranges from 1,200 to 2,100 meters in elevation. Chontali's mountains are steep, but the slopes grow gentler toward the top, which makes coffee cultivation possible. The soil pH is optimal for coffee agriculture, though on the steeper ground soil erosion can be a problem, so some farmers level their land to protect the soil.

Chontali began cultivating coffee in the 1950s, and the region has flourished since, with steadily rising production. Farmers here average 2 to 3 hectares of coffee land, and they harvest ripe cherries from June to October.

But that was far from enough. To obtain higher-quality beans, Aladino Delgado led the region's growers in continuous effort, and finally this selection of Peru · Chontali was achieved.

It is precisely because Aladino Delgado was willing to take training in coffee production and processing together with local suppliers and other growers that the quality of Chontali's coffee keeps improving.

For them, after all, it is never enough.

Peru · Chontali Coffee Bean Information

Origin: Peru · Cajamarca Province · Chunchucas Valley · Chontali

Processing Method: Washed

Acidity: Medium     Body: Medium

Description: Juice-like acidity, flavors of red apple and candied lemon, with a cocoa-like smooth texture.

Peru · Chontali Card Design

The card design is inspired by the coffee craftsmanship passed down through generations in Chontali, a remote Peruvian town. This coffee comes from small farms and a group of growers who depend on the coffee industry for their livelihood. The close connection between coffee and people profoundly shaped the label's artistic form and design, which uses a circular format to showcase the growers' hands and express the region's self-sufficient nature. The card's color palette comes from ancient Peruvian textiles, while the typography is inspired by hand-painted murals by Peruvian artists.

Chontali had previously met everyone at Starbucks Reserve.

This time is its third appearance.

Peru · Chontali Brewing Guide

1. Classic Pour-Over (Iced)

Ditting 5.5 setting, 30 g coffee, 220 g ice, 200 g water (with 60 g for the bloom), bloom for 15 s.

Description: Candied lemon, pleasant acidity, smooth texture, cocoa.

2. Six-Cup Chemex (Hot)

Ditting 8 setting, 21 g coffee, 350 g water, four-six brewing (55 g, 75 g, 70 g, 70 g, 70 g).

Description: Candied lemon, apple, smooth acidity, velvety texture, persistent cocoa aftertaste.

3. Japanese Style Handbrew

Ditting 5 setting, 20 g coffee, 260 g water.

Description: More prominent candied lemon, thicker body, smooth mouthfeel, obvious cocoa aftertaste.

4. V60 (Hot)

Ditting 8 setting, 20 g coffee, four-six brewing (50 g, 70 g, 60 g, 60 g, 60 g).

Description: A rich mixed-juice sensation of candied lemon and apple, smooth texture, persistent cocoa aftertaste.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Peru's balanced, medium-bodied profile makes it an easy entry point into single origin coffee. If you're just starting out, FrontStreet's Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (Washed) is a classic first step, with white jasmine, bright citrus, lemon acidity, and a tea-like finish at an approachable price.

For something more fruit-forward, FrontStreet's Ethiopia Sidamo Natural Huakui uses traditional natural processing and is medium-light roasted, showing berry, floral, jackfruit, melon, and honey. And if you want to explore Brazil, FrontStreet's Cerrado Red Bourbon and Brazil Queen Estate offer the region's signature creamy, peanut, and cocoa flavors, with the Queen Estate adding a rare Yellow Bourbon, higher altitude, and sugarcane-like sweetness that is smooth whether brewed alone or with milk.