Alto Naranjal
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Alto Naranjal is a 12-hectare coffee farm located on a steep mountainside near Buesaco in the Nariño region of Colombia. Managed by producer Leonardo Loaiza and his brothers, the farm is recognized for producing high-quality specialty lots, typically featuring a blend of Caturra, Colombia, and Castillo varieties processed using the washed method.
Alto Naranjal represents the high-altitude, smallholder-driven specialty coffee production characteristic of the Nariño department in Colombia. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, the farm benefits from the unique microclimates found in the mountainous terrain surrounding the village of Buesaco. This region is widely regarded for its ability to produce coffees with distinct acidity and complex sweetness, factors that have made Nariño a focal point for specialty roasters seeking high-quality Colombian lots.
The farm is operated by Leonardo Loaiza, who manages the 12-hectare estate alongside his brothers, Eduardo, Miguel, and Fernando. The Loaiza family has a deep-rooted history in the area, having cultivated coffee near the village of Medina Orjuela for several generations. This multi-generational commitment to the land is a hallmark of the local coffee-growing culture, where knowledge of the specific soil and climate conditions is passed down to ensure the continued viability of the farm.
In practice, Alto Naranjal functions as a family-run enterprise that emphasizes careful cultivation and processing. The farm grows a mix of coffee varieties, including Caturra, Colombia, and Castillo. These varieties are often harvested and processed together, resulting in a complex cup profile that frequently exhibits notes of bright citrus, red berries, and deep dried fruit. The use of the washed processing method—a standard practice in the region—helps to highlight the clarity and acidity inherent in the high-altitude beans.
For the specialty coffee industry, farms like Alto Naranjal are essential for traceability. Because much of the wet milling in Colombia occurs at the farm level, producers like the Loaiza brothers can maintain control over the quality of their parchment coffee before it reaches the dry mill. This level of oversight allows roasters to source specific lots that reflect the unique terroir of the Buesaco mountainside, rather than relying on anonymous regional blends.
Traceability in this context is not merely a logistical detail but a quality indicator. By identifying the specific farm and the producers responsible for the harvest, roasters can better communicate the story of the coffee to the consumer. This transparency helps bridge the gap between the steep slopes of Nariño and the final cup, providing drinkers with a clearer understanding of the labor and environmental factors that contribute to the coffee's flavor profile.
The story of Alto Naranjal stands as a testament to the resilience and expertise of smallholder farmers in Colombia. Despite the challenges of farming on steep, high-altitude terrain, the Loaiza family has successfully positioned their production within the specialty market. Their work continues to contribute to the reputation of Nariño as a premier origin for high-quality, distinctively flavored Colombian coffee.