Colombian Medellín AF Estate Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever wondered where your Colombian coffee actually comes from—beyond just the country name—this deep dive into the Agropecuaria Farallones estate will answer that. Located in the Medellín region, this high-altitude farm produces distinctive lots under several grades and varietals. But what sets each one apart? Altitude, processing, and cultivar choices all shape the cup, and this estate lays it all out clearly.

In short: Agropecuaria Farallones grows mostly Arabica Caturra and Colombia varieties at elevations between 1400–1800 metres. The farm offers three designated lots: EP 10% (Caturra & Colombia, 1400–1600m), SUPREMO (Caturra, 1500–1800m), and ESMERALDA (Caturra, 1500–1800m).

About Agropecuaria Farallones Estate

The Agropecuaria Farallones estate is located in the Colombian coffee-growing heartland near Medellín. While "AF" is the Chinese shorthand, the full estate name in Spanish is Agropecuaria Farallones. This farm sits within a region celebrated for its high altitudes and volcanic soils, contributing to Colombia’s reputation for high-quality specialty beans. The estate focuses on cultivating traditional and reliable Colombian coffee varieties, primarily Caturra and Colombia.

Varieties Grown on the Estate

The estate mainly grows two Arabica varieties:

• Caturra: A natural mutation of Bourbon known for its bright acidity and compact plant size, making it easier to manage at high elevations.
• Colombia: A hybrid developed for disease resistance while retaining cup quality, often used in commercial and premium blends alike.

Both varieties thrive at elevation and are well-suited for the Medellín region’s climate and terroir.

Coffee Grades and Altitude Breakdown

The estate produces coffee under three specific designations, each defined by cultivar and altitude:

Notably, the EP 10% grade includes both Caturra and Colombia beans and is grown at slightly lower altitudes than the other two. The SUPREMO and ESMERALDA grades consist exclusively of Caturra and are cultivated at the highest altitudes on the estate, between 1500 and 1800 metres.

Why Altitude Matters

Altitude strongly influences coffee flavour and density. At 1400–1800 metres, the coffee cherries ripen more slowly due to cooler temperatures and thinner air. That extended maturation period allows for greater sugar accumulation in the beans, which typically translates into a brighter acidity, more complex flavours, and a better-defined body in the cup. The wide range across the estate’s lots shows deliberate farming decisions aimed at producing diverse flavour profiles from the same general region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Agropecuaria Farallones estate?

Agropecuaria Farallones is a coffee farm located near Medellín, Colombia, known for growing Arabica coffee at elevations between 1400–1800 metres. The estate primarily cultivates Caturra and Colombia varieties and produces coffee under several quality designations, including EP 10%, SUPREMO, and ESMERALDA.

What coffee varieties does Agropecuaria Farallones grow?

The estate mainly grows Caturra and Colombia. Caturra is a high-quality Arabica known for bright acidity, while Colombia is a hybrid bred for disease resistance with balanced cup characteristics.

What are the different coffee grades from the estate?

The estate produces three grades: EP 10% (Caturra and Colombia, 1400–1600m), SUPREMO (Caturra, 1500–1800m), and ESMERALDA (Caturra, 1500–1800m). Each reflects a specific combination of variety and altitude.

At what altitude is coffee grown at Agropecuaria Farallones?

Coffee is cultivated at elevations ranging from 1400 to 1800 metres above sea level, with specific grades grown at slightly different ranges depending on the variety.

Does Agropecuaria Farallones produce single-origin coffees?

Yes, each grade from the estate can be considered single-origin since all coffee comes from the Agropecuaria Farallones farm, with specific offerings based on cultivar and altitude.

What factors influence the flavour of beans from this estate?

Flavour is shaped by variety (mainly Caturra and Colombia), altitude (1400–1800m), and grade designation. Higher altitudes tend to produce sweeter, more complex cups due to slower cherry ripening.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Highland Colombia

For fans of Colombian highland coffees like those from Agropecuaria Farallones, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yirgacheffe or Huila-sourced single origins. While not from this exact estate, FrontStreet’s Colombia beans—such as their work with Huila-grown Caturra—showcase similar profiles of bright acidity, medium body, and notes of citrus and caramel. These beans are grown at comparable altitudes and processed with care to highlight Colombian terroir. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.