Sumava de Lourdes

Finca Sumava de Lourdes is a prominent coffee estate located in the Lourdes de Naranjo district of Costa Rica’s West Valley. The farm is composed of two distinct properties, Finca Monte Llano Bonito and Finca Monte Lourdes, which together encompass fifteen individual plots. Situated at high elevations ranging from 1,670 to 1,790 meters above sea level, the estate benefits from cool temperatures and volcanic soils that are ideal for developing complex acidity and layered sweetness in coffee cherries. The farm is managed by Francisco Mena, a veteran of the coffee industry who co-founded the exporter Exclusive Coffees before transitioning into production in 2015.

Francisco Mena’s entry into farming was marked by immediate success, with his early harvests earning significant recognition in the specialty coffee community. His background in the export sector provided him with a unique perspective on the supply chain, which he applied to Sumava de Lourdes by prioritizing transparency and technical precision. The farm operates as a model of modern, ecologically sustainable agriculture, utilizing eco-pulpers and implementing water-retention fields to repurpose processing byproducts as fertilizer. Cypress trees are strategically planted throughout the property to serve as windbreaks and natural borders.

The farm is celebrated for its diverse range of coffee varieties, including Villa Sarchí, Pacamara, Mokka, H3, SL28, Geisha, Java, Sidra, and Typica. This genetic diversity allows the farm to experiment with a wide array of flavor profiles, ranging from the crisp, white-grape acidity of their Villa Sarchí to the complex, floral notes of their Geisha. The team at Sumava is known for pushing the boundaries of processing, utilizing traditional honey and washed methods alongside experimental techniques such as aerobic, anaerobic, lactic, and 'sweet sugar' fermentations.

Innovation at the farm extends to the 'reposado' process, a technique where picked coffee cherries are rested in closed sacks in the shade overnight before depulping. This resting period is designed to enhance the development of fruit-forward characteristics in the final cup. By maintaining such rigorous control over every stage of production—from the specific plot management of areas like 'Los Pinos' or 'La Ladera' to the final drying stages—Mena has established Sumava de Lourdes as a reliable source for high-scoring micro-lots.

For roasters and consumers, the tag 'Sumava de Lourdes' represents a commitment to the 'micromill' philosophy that has defined Costa Rica’s modern coffee reputation. The farm’s ability to isolate specific plots and apply tailored processing methods provides a level of traceability that is highly valued in the specialty market. This approach not only ensures a consistent, high-quality product but also highlights the potential for small-scale, high-elevation farming to produce world-class results.

Today, the farm stands as a testament to the impact of technical expertise and intentional management in coffee production. Through his dual role as a producer and an advocate for the broader Costa Rican coffee sector, Francisco Mena continues to influence industry standards. The farm remains a focal point for those seeking to understand the intersection of traditional terroir and modern, science-driven processing in the pursuit of the perfect cup.