Coffee culture

Which Coffee Varieties Use Red Wine Processing Methods: Flavor Descriptions and Taste Profiles

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Which coffee varieties use red wine processing methods with flavor descriptions and taste profiles. The red wine processing method for coffee beans, also known as red wine-style processing, is inspired by the winemaking process. Currently, only eight estates in Colombia have successfully brought coffee beans using this processing method to market, according to these eight estates

FrontStreet Coffee: Coffee Bean Varieties Processed with Red Wine Method - Flavor Descriptions and Taste Profiles

The red wine processing method for coffee beans, also known as the red wine-like processing method, draws inspiration from the winemaking process. Currently, only eight estates in Colombia have successfully brought coffee beans processed using this method to market. Based on information from these eight estates, we can roughly categorize the types of red wine processing into: acetic acid fermentation (Aerobic fermentation), lactic acid fermentation (Anaerobic fermentation), and mixed fermentation (Mixed Fermentation = Aerobic + Anaerobic).

Selected coffee cherries are placed by farmers in specific containers (when Australian barista Sasa competed, the beans he used were processed in metal containers). In any case, this container should be equipped with something similar to a red wine fermentation lock or a one-way exhaust valve. This allows carbon dioxide to escape through this device to control the air concentration inside the container. At this point, the coffee cherries in the container undergo acetic acid fermentation, resulting in beans with relatively bright and clean flavors, with lemon-like acidity.

The washed processing method is currently the most popular processing method, and most specialty coffee beans choose this method, such as FrontStreet Coffee's Ethiopian Washed Yirgacheffe and FrontStreet Coffee's Kenya Assalia, among others. The washed coffee refining process: Harvesting → Water storage tank (removing impurities and unripe beans) → Pulp remover (removing pulp and impurities) → Fermentation tank (removing mucilage attached to the parchment) → Washing pool (selecting light-quality and hard-textured beans) → Drying field (or dryer) → Huller (removing parchment) → Grading (electronic bean selector or manual selection, screen methods, etc.) → Export.

The semi-washed processing method is also known as the "honey processing method," which is a compromise between the dry processing method and the washed method, eliminating the fermentation step of coffee fruits in the washed method. It is popular in regions such as Brazil and Costa Rica, with representative coffee beans being FrontStreet Coffee's Brazilian Semi-Dried Red Bourbon and Costa Rica Musician Series coffee beans, among others. Harvesting → Water storage tank (removing impurities and unripe beans) → Pulp remover (removing pulp and impurities) → Washing pool (selecting light-quality and hard-textured beans) → Drying field (or dryer) → Huller (removing parchment) → Grading (electronic bean selector or manual selection, screen methods, etc.) → Export.

Coffee processing methods

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