Winning Wednesday: Starbucks' Bella Vista

This is my all time favorite coffee. It was discontinued a few years back (I think around 2003) and I'm so happy that it's back!

It's called Costa Rica Bella Vista F.W. Tres Rios (phew...), and is categorized as a medium roast. It is a really "bright" (high acidity) coffee so it pairs well with citrusy foods that complement its acidity, like lemon bars or strawberries. I love the first sip of Bella Vista in the morning, you literally feel the coffee lift your ears (its hard to describe). This coffee is great no matter how its made, but is of course at its best when made in a French press (paper filters tend to trap the coffee beans' oil which is where the flavor is).

Here is the "official" description:

"In the rolling hills outside San Jose, this coffee is cultivated on one of the region's oldest and last remaining estates. Guided by a proud tradition of quality and the long-term support of Starbucks, the owners have perfected time-honored farming methods to harvest and process the beans right on the estate, and established social programs to improve the farmers' livelihoods. Always a favorite in our tasting room, Bella Vista is surprisingly complex with a satisfying citrus sparkle, floral notes evocative of orange blossoms and a refreshing finish."

My description:

"It's delicious!"

So next time you are at Starbucks pick up a pound or two (I don't think they brew it as the coffee of the day) or at least ask the barista to sample the coffee. You'll be glad you did.