Marlene Rojas

Marlene Rojas is a coffee producer operating in the Incahuasi district of the Cusco region in Peru. Her farm, known as El Nevado, has gained recognition within the specialty coffee industry for producing high-quality lots that highlight the unique potential of southern Peruvian coffee production. The region is increasingly noted for its extreme altitudes and favorable microclimates, which contribute to the development of complex flavor profiles in the cup.

The farm is situated at remarkably high elevations, with documented harvests occurring at altitudes ranging from 2,050 to 2,350 meters above sea level. These extreme conditions are a defining characteristic of Rojas's production, as such high altitudes typically slow the maturation of the coffee cherry, allowing for a more concentrated development of sugars and complex acids that are highly prized by specialty roasters.

Rojas is known for cultivating distinct coffee varieties, including Gesha and SL9. The Gesha variety, in particular, is celebrated globally for its floral and fruit-forward characteristics, while the SL9 variety has also been featured in her high-scoring lots. These varieties, when grown in the specific terroir of Incahuasi, have produced coffees noted for tasting notes such as ripe peach, white florals, nectarine, blueberry, and honey.

Her processing methods reflect a commitment to precision and quality control. Harvested cherries are hand-picked at peak ripeness and subjected to a flotation process to remove defects. The coffee is then de-pulped on the day of harvest and undergoes a dry fermentation process, typically lasting around 30 hours, before being dried on raised beds. This meticulous approach is essential for maintaining the clarity and elegance of the final product.

The emergence of Marlene Rojas as a producer has been a focal point for roasters exploring the evolving landscape of Peruvian coffee. Her work has been instrumental in drawing attention to the Cusco region, with industry observers noting that her coffee was among the first from the Santa Teresa and Incahuasi areas to demonstrate such high levels of complexity and quality, encouraging further exploration of the region's potential.

For the roaster and the consumer, the coffee produced by Marlene Rojas represents the intersection of high-altitude terroir and careful agricultural management. By consistently delivering high-scoring, complex lots, she has established a reputation that bridges the gap between remote, high-elevation farming and the global specialty coffee market, serving as a benchmark for the quality emerging from this specific part of Peru.