It’s the end of summer but the weather is still hot, so there is no better place to head for this month’s review than a little St Kilda gem called Il Piccolo Posto, hidden behind Metropol on Fitzroy St at the No.96 light rail stop. You’ll find Giancarlo Miggiano, an Italian native, pumping out a great blend from Rosso Roasting Co. Established in 2005 and roasted in Melbourne, they have flown under the radar, but now with a new look and rebranded packaging they are starting to make their mark. It’s a blend of four estate coffees sourced from Rainforest Alliance and Fair trade farming communities from South America, Central Africa and Indonesia.
I drank this coffee as an espresso, double ristretto and a piccolo latté made with Giancarlo’s own home made almond milk (which doesn’t separate and is so good that people come here especially for it). Rosso has a flavour profile of caramel and hazelnut which really comes through in the espresso, while the citrus acidity, hints of berry and spice are far more evident in the double ristretto. Regardless, you still get the chocolate finish that is very much consistent with a medium to dark roasted coffee. The almond milk works perfectly to accentuate the nuttiness of this blend and for someone like me who doesn’t drink their coffee very milky, I am pleased to say that Rosso cuts through nicely so you can very much taste the bean.
Giancarlo also uses Rosso and Italian almond syrup to make an iced coffee called Soffiato from his home town, the perfect way to enjoy your caffeine in this heat. Whether it’s hot or cold, pop down and visit Giancarlo and give Rosso a go.
Available to enjoy at:
Il Piccolo Posto – 2a/60 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Union St Brewers – 34 Union St, Brunswick
Prospect Espresso – 2a Prospect Hill Rd, Camberwell
Entrecote – 133 Domain Rd, South Yarra
Drugstore Espresso – 194 Toorak Road, South Yarra
The Beatt – 24 Beatty Ave, Armadale