Just like the world’s finest Grand Cru wines, Nespresso Grand Cru coffees are special. Hailing from the finest plantations around the globe – whether in the misty hills of South America or the tropical jungles of south-east Asia – they have been selected by experts for their superior quality. No more than 2% of the world’s coffee is good enough to meet the rigorous standards demanded for Nespresso Grands Crus. So what sets them apart?
First of all, character. As with wine, no two coffee plantations are exactly alike – the soil, weather and altitude all come together to produce a distinct terroir, and it’s this that gives the beans their personality.
Second, their consistency. The Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality TM Program not only ensures farmers receive a fair wage and that beans are grown sustainably, but that each crop is of the highest standard. Then it’s over to the skilled master blenders – with more than 25 years of experience, they know exactly how to combine diverse coffees from around the world to produce harmonious blends. With expert roasting, up to 900 different aromas and flavours can be released from Grand Cru coffee beans.
And finally, thanks to the unique Nespresso capsule system, these flavours are kept freshly sealed: once ground, Grand Cru coffees won’t be exposed to air again until the moment your cup is being filled.
There are five categories of Nespresso Grands Crus: Intenso, Espresso, Pure Origin, Lungo and Variations. You’ll enjoy discovering them for yourself, but here are our tips for a timely sip:
First thing
Just right for a morning, the Lungo collection of coffees are designed to be enjoyed over a longer pour – about three times the size of a standard espresso – while still packing plenty of flavour. Try the Fortissio Lungo for a full-bodied coffee rich with cereal notes; it’s made from south-west Indian Malabar arabica beans, which are exposed to monsoon winds after harvesting, with Latin American arabica beans for an intense and creamy blend with a touch of sweetness. Add a dash of milk or more to enjoy as a latte.
Mid-morning
Flecked with indulgent, roasted caramel notes, the well-balanced Livanto in the Espresso collection is perfect for easing you into the day. A medium-intensity brew made with arabica beans from South and Central America, it’s just the thing for a mid-morning meeting. Also perfect for a cappuccino.
After lunch
An Arpeggio is the ideal remedy for any after-lunch slump. A luxurious dark roast of pure South and Central American arabicas, it has a strong character and intense body, enhanced by cocoa notes.
Late afternoon
The Pure Origin collection showcases beans from a single country. Try the exotic, elegant Bukeela ka Ethiopia: floral, fresh and delicate, it offers intriguing notes of musk and wood that evoke images of faraway places. If you add a dash of milk, you’ll instead bring out some distinctly caramel flavours. Light and easy-drinking, this is just the thing for a late-afternoon pick-me-up.
After dinner
The Intense collection suits those who like their coffees rich with deep and brooding flavours. The most intense of all the Nespresso Grand Cru Coffees Kazaar, is a daring and unusual blend of two robusta coffees from Brazil and Guatemala, which have been roasted separately from milder arabica beans from South America. Together, they bring full-on flavour, peppery notes, bitterness, and a moreish, creamy texture.
When life is sweet
The indulgent Variations collection is just the thing for life’s extra-sweet moments. The dark and bitter chocolate notes of Ciocattino yield to delectable caramelised roasted flavours. If you normally reach for a square of chocolate after dinner, try this coffee and you might not need it.
These coffees are just the beginning. With 18 other Grands Crus out there – each with its own personality, each ready and waiting for a different moment of your day – there is a whole world of coffee to discover. Get exploring at nespresso.com.
