Purple Leaf Caturra (De Re 296)

Purple Leaf Caturra (De Re 296) — The trade nickname for De Re 296, a cultivar released by the Dehong Tropical Agriculture Research Institute (DTARI) in Yunnan, China. Researchers found a natural purple-leaf mutation inside their Catimor CIFC 7963 population and developed it into a nationally registered cultivar. It is compared with the Colombian purple Caturra because of its purple young leaves and compact shape, but the two are not the same lineage; it is also one of the few Chinese coffee cultivars planted as an ornamental street tree as well as grown for the cup.

Flavor Profile

Bright citrus, lemon and kumquat acidity with apple, papaya and honey sweetness, a clean clear cup and a Tieguanyin tea-like finish. Light-to-medium roasting brings out the most definition, and the acidity sharpens as the cup cools.

Brewing Tip

Pour-over at 90-92°C, 1:15 ratio, medium-fine grind, staged pours, about 1:50 total.