Tinto coffee is much more than a beverage in Colombia—it's the ritual that connects us to our coffee roots and the first step toward discovering the true potential of our Colombian coffees. At Green Hills Coffee, we understand that every cup of tinto tells a story, and we want to guide you through how this traditional preparation can be the beginning of an extraordinary journey toward single-origin coffee and the experiences that only a specialty coffee shop can offer.

What is red coffee really?

Tinto is the most democratic and accessible coffee preparation in Colombia. It's that intense, aromatic, black coffee served in small cups that accompanies conversations, work breaks, and family gatherings. However, when we talk about tinto in the context of Colombian specialty coffee , we're talking about a preparation that can reach levels of complexity and flavor that would surprise any coffee lover.

The difference lies in the quality of the bean, the roasting process, and the preparation technique. As specialized coffee roasters in Medellín, at Green Hills Coffee we can transform a simple coffee into a unique sensorial experience, maintaining the traditional essence but elevating every aspect of the beverage.

Red wine in the modern coffee houses of Medellín

Medellín has positioned itself as one of the specialty coffee capitals of Colombia, and the city's modern coffee houses have reinvented the concept of tinto without losing its essence. Medellín's best coffees have achieved the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

The city's specialized roasters have developed specific roasting profiles that enhance the unique characteristics of each origin coffee, creating reds that can compete with any international preparation while maintaining their Colombian identity. These spaces not only serve coffee, but also educate visitors about the differences between regions, processes, and varieties.

Preparation methods: from traditional red wine to filter coffees

The traditional red wine method

The traditional tinto coffee preparation method is simple but effective: finely ground coffee, hot water, and time. However, the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. When you use specialty coffee from a well-known brand, even the most basic preparation can surprise you.

The evolution towards filtered coffees

Filter coffees represent the natural evolution of red wine. While maintaining the essence of simplicity, these filtering methods allow for a cleaner cup and the ability to appreciate notes and nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed in traditional red wines. A V60 , Chemex , or AeroPress can be excellent options for preparing a "high-energy red" that retains the characteristic intensity but with greater clarity of flavor.

Your coffee kit to prepare the perfect coffee at home

A good coffee kit for preparing tinto at home should include:

Basic elements:

• Freshly roasted specialty coffee from a trusted company
• Greca or quality filter coffee maker
• Coffee grinder (preferably burr)
• Digital scale for precise dosing
• Thermometer to control water temperature

Professional elements:

• Gooseneck kettle for greater control
• High-quality paper filters
• Different extraction methods ( V60 , Chemex , French Press )
• Cupping spoons to evaluate the result

Red wine as a single-origin coffee experience

Each coffee-growing region in Colombia produces reds with unique characteristics . Huila coffee offers a medium-bodied red with chocolate notes, while Nariño coffee can surprise with bright acidity and floral notes. The coffees of the traditional Coffee Region provide the perfect balance that makes Colombian coffee famous worldwide.

When you visit a specialty coffee shop, you have the opportunity to taste reds from different origins and compare how the terroir influences each cup. This is one of the most educational and enjoyable experiences the coffee world can offer, especially when you understand the coffee process from plant to perfect cup .

Green Hills Coffee: Your Gateway to Specialty Coffee

At Green Hills Coffee, we believe that red coffee is the perfect starting point for discovering specialty coffee. Our roasting process respects both the tradition of red coffee and the possibilities each bean offers when treated with the care it deserves.

We offer different roast profiles specifically designed for those who love red wine but want to explore new dimensions of flavor. Our coffees are carefully selected from the finest farms , ensuring that each cup tells the story of its origin.

Ideal Coffees for Your High Red:

• Tradition Specialty Coffee - The perfect balance for an enhanced classic red
• Natural Specialty Coffee - For reds with intense fruity notes
• Silver Specialty Coffee - Accessible complexity for the traditional palate

Tips to enhance your red wine experience

Water quality

Water accounts for 98% of your cup of coffee. Use filtered water with the appropriate mineral content to extract the best from your coffee.

Correct temperature

The water should be between 90-96°C. If you don't have a thermometer, let the boiled water sit for 2-3 minutes before preparing your red wine.

Proper proportion

A good base ratio is 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water), but you can adjust it to your strength preference.

Fresh grinding

Grind your coffee just before brewing. The grind should be appropriate for your method: finer for short-contact methods like espresso , coarser for methods like a French press .

The future of red wine in Colombia

Tinto is undergoing a quiet revolution in Colombia. New generations of coffee growers and roasters are redefining this traditional preparation, incorporating modern techniques without losing the essence that makes it so special.

Specialized roasters are experimenting with innovative processes like natural coffee and honey coffee , taking red coffee into previously uncharted territory. At the same time, they maintain the accessibility and social character that have always characterized this preparation.

Natural Expansion: Beyond Red

For those inspired by the elevated tinto experience, we recommend embarking on your specialty coffee journey with our beginner's guide. You can also explore the 25 coffee recipes to discover new ways to enjoy your favorite beans.

Conclusion: more than a drink, a culture

Red coffee is the perfect example that you don't need to complicate things to enjoy excellent coffee. However, when you combine the simplicity of this traditional preparation with the quality of a Colombian specialty coffee, the result can be truly extraordinary.

At Green Hills Coffee, we invite you to rediscover tinto. Come to our specialty coffee shop and discover how this traditional preparation can be the beginning of a fascinating journey through the world of coffee. Each cup is an opportunity to connect with our coffee culture and, at the same time, explore new frontiers of flavor.

Tinto is not only the past of Colombian coffee—it's also its future, constantly evolving but always maintaining the warmth and authenticity that defines us as a coffee-producing country.

Tinto represents the democratizing essence of Colombian specialty coffee : a simple preparation that can achieve excellence when combined with quality beans and careful technique, while always maintaining its accessible and social character.