Passalacqua Grancaffé - Coffee Beans - 6 x 1 kg box discount

Neapolitan espresso from Passalacqua

Grancaffé is Passalacqua's espresso blend in the Neapolitan style: dark, thick and low in acid. It is made up of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. The Arabica carries the aroma; the Robusta is there for body and for the crema, which is what gives a Neapolitan shot its heavy, almost syrupy texture.

In the cup

The dark roast pushes the blend towards spice rather than fruit. Expect a full, aromatic cup with a spicy edge, very little acidity and a long finish that stays elegant instead of turning harsh. On our scale it sits at 8 out of 13, so it has real presence without being the heaviest bean on the shelf.

How to use it

This is a straight espresso blend, so a portafilter machine or a bean-to-cup will get the most out of it — crema needs pressure. It is equally at home in milk: the roast is dark enough that a cappuccino or a flat white still tastes of coffee rather than of milk. These are whole beans, so you will need a grinder if your machine has not got one.

At a glance

• Blend: 80% Arabica, 20% Robusta
• Roast: dark
• Strength: 8 out of 13
• Flavour: full, spicy, aromatic, intense
• Acidity: low
• Form: whole beans
• Contents: 1 kg
• Best for: espresso, cappuccino and other milk drinks