India - Ratnagiri Dark Room

Origin: India

Region: Chikmagalur

Process: Natural Dark Room process

Varieties: Chandragiri

Producer: Ashok & Divya Patre

Altitude: 1300m

Tasting notes:  Plums, raisins, dates, milk chocolate

* A 250g bag of pure joy! 

Located in the hills of Chikmagalur, Ratnagiri Estate is one of India’s most prestigious specialty coffee producers. 

The name “Ratnagiri” means “Pearl Mountain” in Hindi, a reference to the silvery, shimmering canopy of oak trees that shades the estate’s coffee plants.

Founded in 1920, Ratnagiri Estate has been passed down through generations and is now owned and managed by Ashok Patre. A progressive farmer and avid traveler, Ashok incorporates the best international practices into coffee cultivation in India and continually experiments to improve quality. The estate monitors Brix levels before harvest and uses various processing methods, including natural fermentation, honey fermentation, traditional washed fermentation, and experimental fermentations.

With determination, he works closely with two microbiologists to monitor fermentation parameters, resulting in coffees of exceptional clarity and balance, like this one.

Ratnagiri Estate is a biodynamic and organic farm, certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Quarterly soil analyses and organic amendments ensure long-term soil health. To naturally strengthen the plants’ immunity and increase the sugar content of the coffee cherries, Ashok uses ionized seawater and seaweed extract.

Nestled in the heart of a thriving three-tier forest ecosystem, the estate is a true haven of biodiversity. More than 48 bird species and numerous wild animals — monkeys, leopards, wild boars, tigers, mongooses, and even elephants — have made their home here. This rich biodiversity reflects the Patre family’s commitment to ecological harmony in every aspect of their farming.