Coffee Terroir

Coffee terroir describes how environment and geography shape a coffee’s unique flavour.

Definition: Terroir includes climate, altitude, soil, rainfall, and farming practices.

Influence on flavour: Affects acidity, sweetness, body, and aroma.

Regional expression: Ethiopian coffees differ dramatically from Colombian or Brazilian beans.

Why altitude matters: Higher elevations slow bean growth, increasing complexity.

Connection to wine: Similar to how wine reflects its vineyard location.

Why it matters: Helps drinkers understand why coffees taste different by origin.

Related terms: Single-Origin, Specialty Coffee, Arabica, Coffee Cherry, Washed Process.